Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has strongly condemned the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) over their leaders’ recent remarks about Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma. The controversy erupted after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed criticized Sharma’s fitness and leadership ahead of India's semi-final clash against Australia in the Champions Trophy.

Minister Calls Out ‘Body Shaming’

Mandaviya took to social media to express his disapproval, stating that such remarks diminish the hard work and dedication of Indian athletes representing the nation on the global stage.

“Congress and TMC should refrain from targeting sportspersons, as they are fully capable of handling their careers. Remarks questioning an athlete’s place in the team and indulging in body shaming are not only deeply shameful but outright pathetic,” the minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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What Did Shama Mohamed Say About Rohit Sharma?

In a now-deleted post on X, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed called Rohit Sharma “fat for a sportsman” and claimed that his captaincy was the “most unimpressive” in India’s cricketing history.

“Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Needs to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had,” she wrote.

Her comments sparked outrage, especially since India has remained undefeated in the ongoing Champions Trophy and had just secured a semi-final spot against Australia. Sharma scored 15 runs in the quarterfinal match against New Zealand.

TMC MP Supports Criticism

Adding to the controversy, Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy backed Mohamed’s remarks, claiming that Sharma’s performance had been lackluster.

“I heard that Rohit Sharma’s performance has been quite poor. He scored one century, but apart from that, he often gets out after just 2, 3, or 5 runs. He shouldn’t be in the team. India wins because of the other players, not because of the captain,” Roy said.

BCCI and BJP React Strongly

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have both condemned the remarks. The BJP accused Congress of trying to demoralize the Indian team, alleging that the party, which has lost over 90 elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, is now resorting to body shaming the national cricket captain.

Congress Distances Itself From Comments

Amid mounting criticism, the Congress party has distanced itself from Mohamed’s remarks. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera clarified that her comments do not represent the official stance of the Congress.

“Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party’s position. She has been asked to delete the concerned social media posts and advised to exercise greater caution in the future. The Indian National Congress holds sporting icons in the highest regard and does not endorse any statements that undermine their legacy,” Khera posted on X.