[WATCH] Congress Leader Shama Mohamed Defends Her Controversial ‘Fat’ Remark On Rohit Sharma

A political controversy erupted after Congress spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohamed criticized Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma following his performance in the ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand. Sharma, who scored 15 runs off 17 balls, was labeled “overweight” and “the most unimpressive captain India has ever had” by Mohamed.

She expressed her views on social media, stating, “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight!” She also questioned his leadership abilities, arguing that he was a “mediocre captain” who was fortunate to lead the national team. Despite India’s 44-run victory in the match, her remarks triggered a strong backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and cricket fans alike.

When confronted, Mohamed defended herself, saying, “It was just a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson. It is not body shaming. A sportsperson has to be fit, and I felt he is a bit overweight,” she told ANI. She further justified her stance by saying, “It’s a democracy. I have the right to express my opinion.”

#BreakingNews | Congress Leader Shama Mohamed defends her remarks on Indian Captain Rohit Sharma

BJP's @Shehzad_Ind joins conversation

News18's @payalmehta100 shares details@Elizasherine | #Congress #RohitSharma #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/xTFtmjLql1

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 3, 2025

BJP Defends Rohit Sharma, Criticizes Congress

The BJP swiftly responded to Mohamed’s comments, with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla leading the counterattack. He ridiculed Congress for questioning Sharma’s captaincy, stating, “Those who have lost 90 elections under the captaincy of Rahul Gandhi are calling Rohit’s leadership unimpressive!” He also pointed out that while Congress suffered electoral defeats, Rohit Sharma had successfully led India to a T20 World Cup victory.

Poonawalla further criticized the Congress party’s stance, calling it hypocritical. He accused them of promoting a message of love while making derogatory remarks, stating, “Congress calls itself ‘Mohabbat ki dukaan’ (a shop of love) but in reality, it is ‘Nafrat ke bhaijaan’ (messengers of hatred).”

Congress Faces Backlash Over Insult to a Cricketing Icon

The criticism didn’t stop there, as BJP leader Radhika Khera also condemned Congress for undermining Indian sports figures. She pointed out that Congress had a history of failing to support athletes and was now attacking a self-made cricketing champion.

Khera remarked, “The same Congress that ignored and humiliated athletes for decades now dares to mock a cricketing legend? The party, known for nepotism, has no right to lecture a cricketer who has earned his place through hard work.” 

The controversy highlighted the intersection of sports and politics, with Rohit Sharma inadvertently becoming the center of a political war of words.