The controversy over Congress and TMC leaders' remarks on Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma continues to escalate, drawing sharp reactions from political circles, cricket fans, and sports authorities alike. Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya condemned the comments, calling them "deeply shameful" and "outright pathetic," urging political parties to refrain from targeting sportspersons. The row erupted after Congress National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed criticized Rohit Sharma’s fitness in a now-deleted social media post, stating, "Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!" Shortly after, TMC MP Saugata Roy reinforced her statement, questioning Rohit’s role as captain and claiming he did not deserve a place in the national team.
Mandaviya took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval, stressing that athletes dedicate their lives to their profession and should not be subjected to such uncalled-for scrutiny from politicians. "Congress and TMC should leave sportspersons alone as they are fully capable of handling their professional lives," he stated, adding that such remarks undermine the immense dedication, sacrifices, and efforts made by athletes who bring laurels to the nation. His statement received strong backing from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing it of repeatedly disrespecting and demoralizing Indian athletes.
BJP leader Radhika Khera, who left Congress to join BJP last year, strongly criticized her former party, alleging that the Congress has a history of humiliating sportspersons and failing to recognize their contributions. She pointed out that Rohit Sharma is one of India’s most successful captains, having led the team to multiple victories on the global stage, including the recent ICC tournaments. She added that body-shaming an athlete, especially one of Rohit’s stature, reflects poorly on the Congress's priorities.
Following the uproar, the Congress party moved quickly to contain the damage. Senior party leader Pawan Khera distanced the party from Shama Mohamed’s remarks, clarifying that her views were personal and did not reflect the party’s stance. "The Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy," Khera said in an official statement. Additionally, BCCI Vice President and Congress leader Rajeev Shukla defended Rohit Sharma, affirming that he is in peak form, leading the Indian team effectively, and remains an indispensable player for the national squad. He further added that while individuals are entitled to their opinions, it is important to recognize and respect the achievements of players who dedicate their lives to representing India.
However, while Congress distanced itself from Shama Mohamed’s statement, no such clarification has come from the Trinamool Congress regarding Saugata Roy’s remarks. His statement, which mirrored Mohamed’s stance, has added fuel to the controversy. By stating that Rohit Sharma "should not be the captain" and "does not deserve a place in the team," Roy has drawn significant backlash, not only from cricket fans but also from sports analysts who believe that politicians should refrain from making personal attacks on athletes. His comments have put the TMC in an uncomfortable position, and many are awaiting an official response from the party leadership.
The political storm surrounding Rohit Sharma has ignited a broader debate on the intersection of sports and politics. Many experts argue that politicians should focus on policies that support and uplift sportspersons rather than engaging in personal criticism. Cricket fans across the country have rallied in support of Rohit Sharma, pointing out that his fitness levels and leadership skills have been instrumental in India’s success on the field. Social media has been flooded with messages defending the Indian captain, with hashtags like #RespectRohitSharma and #HandsOffRohit trending nationwide.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from former cricketers, with many emphasizing the rigorous fitness standards required to play international cricket. Some have noted that while constructive criticism is welcome, personal attacks based on appearance are unnecessary and disrespectful. The Indian cricket team is preparing for important upcoming series, and the distraction caused by this political debate has only added unwanted pressure on the players.
As the debate continues, political analysts believe that both Congress and TMC will have to address the issue carefully to avoid further alienating sports enthusiasts. While the Congress has distanced itself from the remarks, many believe it will need to take stricter action to prevent similar incidents in the future. On the other hand, the silence from the TMC has raised questions about whether the party endorses Roy’s statement or if it will eventually issue a clarification.
With Indian cricket commanding a massive fan following, any controversy involving players quickly gains national attention. This incident has not only sparked outrage among sports lovers but has also highlighted the need for responsible public statements from politicians. As Rohit Sharma continues to lead Team India on the field, the hope among cricket fans is that the focus remains on the sport and not on unnecessary distractions created by political discourse.
For now, the controversy remains unresolved, with mounting pressure on both Congress and TMC to address the fallout. The question remains: will political parties learn to respect sportspersons and their contributions, or will such incidents continue to make headlines in the future?
