‘Shouldn’t be in team’: After Congress leader, TMC MP stirs row with comments on Rohit Sharma

“What Shama Mohamed has said is correct,” Roy added.

BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya accusing Congress of “body shaming the Indian cricket captain” and trying to undermine the morale of the national team. “Their disdain for our icons is apparent. They resent a self-confident India,” he posted on X.

As criticism mounted, Congress distanced itself from Mohammed’s statement, with its media department chief Pawan Khera stating that her remarks “do not reflect the party’s position.” He added that she had been asked to delete the post and “to exercise greater caution in the future”.

“The Indian National Congress holds the contributions of sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy,” he said.

Defending herself, Mohammed said her comment was a “generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson” and denied body-shaming Sharma. “I have the right to express my views. What’s wrong in saying that? It’s a democracy,” she said.

The controversy drew a sharp reaction from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who slammed both Congress and TMC for their comments. “Remarks made by leaders from these parties, indulging in body shaming and questioning an athlete’s place in the team, are not only deeply shameful but also outright pathetic,” he said, adding that sportspersons should be left alone to focus on their game.