The Indian National Congress finds itself embroiled in controversy after party supporter Tehseen Poonawalla strongly criticized its handling of spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s remarks on Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma. The incident has triggered widespread outrage from cricket fans, former players, and political observers, with many arguing that such statements are damaging to the party’s public perception.
The Controversial Remarks: A Political Blunder?
Shama Mohamed, a prominent Congress spokesperson, took to X (formerly Twitter) to make disparaging remarks about Rohit Sharma’s physique and leadership. In the now-deleted post, she referred to him as “fat for a sportsman” and called him “the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had.”
This unexpected attack on one of India’s most celebrated cricketers sparked immediate backlash, with fans and cricket experts denouncing her remarks as body-shaming and baseless criticism.
Tehseen Poonawalla, a well-known Congress supporter, publicly rebuked the party, calling the comments unwise and damaging to its political image. In a post on X, he wrote:
“This has badly hurt the Congress. Have some common sense: Cricket is more than a passion or even a religion in India. Cricket unites everyone!”
Poonawalla’s remarks underline the deep cultural significance of cricket in India, where sports and national pride are closely intertwined.
Poonawalla Criticizes Congress’ Political Positioning
Beyond condemning Mohamed’s remarks, Poonawalla also took aim at Congress’ ideological direction, arguing that the party is increasingly perceived as “too woke, too left, and an apologist for certain ideologies” while appearing disconnected from India’s cultural ethos.
“Unfortunately, the party that I vote for, support, and want to win the elections is increasingly perceived as too woke, too left, and an apologist for certain ideologies while appearing to resent India’s ethos. The Congress risks alienating many with this arrogant tone,” he stated.
His criticism reflects a growing internal and external debate about the Congress party’s political strategy. Many believe the party needs to redefine its messaging to avoid alienating potential supporters, particularly on nationalistic and cultural issues that resonate deeply with Indian voters.
Cricketers and BCCI Slam Mohamed’s Comments
The backlash against Mohamed’s statements was not limited to the political sphere. Several former Indian cricketers and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) weighed in, strongly condemning the remarks.
Venkatesh Prasad Defends Rohit Sharma
Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad called the comments “absolutely pathetic and uncalled for”, defending Rohit Sharma’s contributions to Indian cricket.
“Rohit has maintained great dignity as a captain, led us to a T20 WC win 8 months back, and in the middle of an ICC tournament, body-shaming him is absolutely pathetic,” Prasad wrote on social media.
His comments highlight the respect Rohit Sharma commands within the cricketing fraternity, as well as the insensitivity of Mohamed’s remarks at a time when India is competing in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Atul Wassan: “She Doesn’t Understand Cricket”
Former cricketer Atul Wassan also dismissed Mohamed’s remarks, emphasizing Rohit Sharma’s proven leadership credentials.
“He (Rohit) is a World Cup-winning captain, and currently the team is playing the ICC Champions Trophy… Her statement should not be taken seriously as she doesn’t understand match fitness and what kind of captain he is,” Wassan remarked.
His comments reflect the strong disapproval within the cricketing community regarding politicians or public figures making uninformed statements about players.
BCCI Condemns the Remarks
Adding to the criticism, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia labeled Mohamed’s comments as “baseless and derogatory”, stressing that such remarks are counterproductive to national morale.
“When the team is playing in the Champions Trophy and doing well, this is the time when one needs to support Team India,” he said.
His statement underscores the importance of rallying behind national athletes rather than undermining them through unnecessary criticism.
Congress’ Damage Control: Party Distances Itself from Mohamed’s Comments
Realizing the potential political fallout, the Congress party quickly distanced itself from Mohamed’s remarks. Media and Publicity Head Pawan Khera issued a statement clarifying that her views did not reflect the official stance of the party.
“Dr. Shama Mohamed made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party’s position.”
Additionally, the Congress party instructed Mohamed to delete the post and exercise greater caution in the future.
This move highlights the party’s attempt to contain the controversy, as it faces criticism not just from the public but also from within its own support base.
Political Fallout: Is Congress Alienating Cricket-Loving Voters?
Tehseen Poonawalla’s criticism of Congress goes beyond this single incident. His comments reflect a larger concern about the party’s messaging and its growing disconnect with public sentiment.
Cricket is deeply ingrained in India’s cultural identity, and attacking a revered figure like Rohit Sharma risks alienating millions of cricket fans.
Moreover, body-shaming and personal attacks—especially against a national sports icon—run counter to progressive values that Congress aims to promote.
The incident also raises broader questions:
- Is Congress failing to understand the cultural fabric of India?
- Does the party’s approach seem elitist or out of touch with mainstream sentiment?
- Can Congress afford to alienate cricket fans, who form a large chunk of the voting population?
Social Media Backlash & Public Reactions
The controversy ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans calling for greater accountability from public figures who make careless statements.
Some Twitter users pointed out the hypocrisy of body-shaming a sportsperson while advocating for progressive and inclusive discourse. Others questioned whether such comments were reflective of deeper issues within the party.
Popular sports journalist Harsha Bhogle also weighed in, subtly reminding public figures about the influence of sports in India’s national psyche.
“Cricket has a way of bringing people together. It is always wiser to celebrate athletes rather than pull them down, especially when they carry the burden of national hopes on their shoulders.”
Final Thoughts: A Lesson for Congress?
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the Congress party. While Shama Mohamed’s remarks may have been an individual misstep, the strong reactions from Tehseen Poonawalla, former cricketers, and the BCCI show that such controversies can have larger implications.
If Congress hopes to regain political ground, it must recognize and respect cultural sentiments, particularly on issues as emotionally charged as cricket.
With the 2024 elections behind and future political battles ahead, the party cannot afford unnecessary controversies that distract from key issues and damage its public perception.As for Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain seems unfazed by the controversy, focusing instead on leading Team India in the ICC Champions Trophy. If anything, this incident has only strengthened the public’s support for him, reinforcing his status as one of India’s most respected sports icons.
