Congress’ Shama Mohamed faced backlash for comments on Rohit Sharma’s fitness, sparking controversy and criticism, especially from BJP leaders.
The Controversial Remarks
During India’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, where India secured a 44-run victory, Rohit Sharma was dismissed after scoring 15 runs off 17 balls. Following this, Dr. Mohamed took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her views on Sharma’s fitness. In her now-deleted post, she stated, “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!” She further compared Sharma to his predecessors, labeling him a “mediocre captain” and a “mediocre player” who was fortunate to lead the Indian team.
Defense and Clarification
In response to the backlash, Dr. Mohamed defended her comments, asserting that her intentions were not to body-shame but to highlight the importance of fitness among sports professionals. She remarked, “It was a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson. It was not body-shaming. I always believed a sportsperson should be fit, and I felt he was a bit overweight, so I just tweeted about that.” She emphasized her democratic right to express opinions on public figures, especially those in sports.
Congress Party’s Stance
Congress distanced itself, urging Shama Mohamed to delete her remarks, emphasizing respect for sports legends and advising caution in statements.
BJP’s Reaction
The BJP seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress party over Dr. Mohamed’s comments. BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla mocked Congress, comparing Rohit Sharma’s T20 World Cup win to Congress’s 90 election losses under Rahul Gandhi.
Support from Unexpected Quarters
Interestingly, Dr. Mohamed’s remarks found support from Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sougata Ray. He opined that her comments were not derogatory and that she had the right to express her views on a public figure’s fitness and performance. This unexpected backing added another layer to the unfolding political discourse.
Public and Expert Opinions
The public reaction to Dr. Mohamed’s comments has been largely negative, with many accusing her of unnecessary personal attacks. Experts stress respectful fitness discussions, highlighting Rohit Sharma’s contributions and urging critiques based on performance metrics rather than personal attributes.
Conclusion
The incident underscores the sensitivity required when public figures comment on personalities from other domains. While freedom of expression is a democratic right, it comes with the responsibility of ensuring that critiques are fair, respectful, and devoid of personal biases. As the political tussle continues, it serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between politics and sports in India.
