Political Storm Erupts as Congress Leader Shama Mohamed Criticizes Rohit Sharma’s Fitness

In a recent incident that has sparked widespread controversy, Congress spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohamed faced backlash for her derogatory remarks about Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma. During a crucial ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, Mohamed took to social media to label Sharma as “fat for a sportsman” and questioned his leadership abilities. The comments have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including political opponents and cricket fans alike.

Key Takeaways

• Shama Mohamed criticized Rohit Sharma’s fitness during a live match.
• Her comments led to a significant backlash, prompting her to delete the post.
• The Congress party distanced itself from her remarks, emphasizing respect for sporting icons.
• BJP leaders seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress party’s track record.

The Controversial Remarks

On March 2, 2025, as India played against New Zealand, Dr. Shama Mohamed tweeted her thoughts on Rohit Sharma’s performance after he was dismissed for just 15 runs. In her now-deleted post, she stated:

• “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight!”
• “He is the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!”

These comments were made despite India winning the match by 44 runs, showcasing Sharma’s leadership in defending a modest total.

Backlash and Political Reactions

The backlash was immediate and intense. Fans and political figures criticized Mohamed for her insensitivity, with many pointing out that her comments were not only disrespectful but also detrimental to the morale of the team during a crucial tournament.

• BJP Response: BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari condemned the remarks, stating, “Shame on Congress! Now they are going after the Indian cricket captain!”
• BCCI Reaction: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described her comments as “very unfortunate for a responsible person to pass such a trivial comment.”

Congress Party’s Response

In light of the backlash, the Congress party quickly distanced itself from Mohamed’s comments. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera stated:

• “Dr. Shama Mohamed made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party’s position.”
• Mohamed was instructed to delete her posts and advised to exercise greater caution in the future.

Despite the deletion, Mohamed defended her comments, claiming they were a general observation about fitness and not body-shaming. She argued that as a public figure, she had the right to express her opinions, stating:

• “It was a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson.”

Conclusion

The incident has highlighted the intersection of sports and politics in India, where public figures often find themselves under scrutiny for their comments. As Rohit Sharma continues to lead the Indian cricket team in the Champions Trophy, the focus remains on his performance rather than the political storm surrounding him. The Congress party’s swift action to distance itself from Mohamed’s remarks reflects the sensitivity surrounding public discourse in the realm of sports and national pride.

Sources

• Congress Leader Fat-shames Rohit Sharma, Gets Trolled, Gulte.
• Rohit Sharma Row: Congress Fat-Shames Indian Skipper, Hits Clumsy Delete Button In Act Of Self-Defence After Huge Backlash | Republic World, Republic World.
• ‘Rohit Sharma fat for a sportsman,’ says Congress leader, faces backlash | India News – Business Standard, Business Standard.
• Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed body shames Rohit Sharma, calls Indian captain ‘fat’ in a post on X – CNBC TV18, CNBC TV18.
• Congress’s Shama Mohamed Fat-Shames Rohit Sharma, Then Deletes Post. This Is What Party Said, MSN.