Congress Spokesperson Faces Backlash Over ‘Fat Sportsman’ Remark on Rohit Sharma

New Delhi- Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has downplayed her criticism of Team India captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness after facing a strong backlash. Defending her remarks as part of her right to free speech in a democracy, she clarified her stance hours after calling Sharma a “fat sportsman” on social media.

Mohamed’s post, made during the India vs New Zealand match yesterday, read: “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had.” The post has since been deleted following a wave of criticism from fans and political opponents.

The comment section of her post was flooded with support for Sharma, highlighting his leadership and Team India’s achievements under his captaincy. The BJP launched a scathing attack, with party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari calling her remarks “shameful” and accusing the Congress of targeting the Indian skipper. “Shame on Congress! Now they are going after the Indian Cricket Captain! Do they expect Rahul Gandhi to now play cricket after failing in Indian politics?” he said.

Responding to the outrage, Mohamed claimed her remark was “generic” and insisted she had the right to express her views. “I just spoke in a generic manner. I fail to understand how in a democracy, we don’t have the right to speak,” she said.

Further controversy erupted when Mohamed engaged in a debate with a Pakistan-based sports journalist who praised Sharma as a “world-class performer.” Countering the praise, she questioned the Indian captain’s credentials, stating, “What is so world-class about him compared to his predecessors like Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid, Dhoni, Kohli, Kapil Dev, Shastri & the rest? He is a mediocre captain and a mediocre player who got lucky to be the Captain of India.”

BJP leaders have linked Mohamed’s remarks to the Congress party’s alleged “Emergency mindset,” calling it an insult to every patriot who supports Indian cricket.