In a political storm that has taken over social media and mainstream discourse, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed found herself embroiled in controversy over her now-deleted remarks on Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness. The issue escalated further when Mohamed retaliated by pointing out Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s past comments on Sharma, raising questions about selective outrage and political double standards.

The Controversy Unfolds

It all started when Shama Mohamed criticized Rohit Sharma’s fitness levels, calling him “overweight for a sportsman” and an “unimpressive captain.” The statement, made on X (formerly Twitter), quickly ignited a backlash from both cricket fans and political leaders. Many saw her comments as body-shaming rather than a legitimate critique of athletic fitness. As criticism poured in, including from BJP leaders and Rohit Sharma’s fans, Mohamed deleted the post, but the damage had already been done.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was among the first to react, condemning Mohamed’s comments and urging public figures to be more responsible with their words. He stated, “Cricket is a sport that unites our country, and attacking a player for their physique rather than performance is uncalled for.”

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) also weighed in, indirectly backing Sharma and expressing disappointment over the controversy. A senior BCCI official stated, “Players go through rigorous training, and their fitness is constantly monitored. Any public discourse around an individual’s appearance rather than their skills is unnecessary and demoralizing.”

Shama Mohamed’s Response: Bringing Kangana Ranaut Into the Discussion

Instead of stepping back, Mohamed took the debate in another direction. She resurfaced an old tweet from Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, where Ranaut had made derogatory remarks about Rohit Sharma back in 2021. During the farmers’ protests, Sharma had posted a neutral statement advocating unity and a peaceful resolution. In response, Ranaut had labeled him and other Indian cricketers as “Dhobi ka kutta” (an offensive phrase implying a lack of decisiveness).

Mohamed pointed out the silence of BJP leaders at the time and questioned why the same voices that condemned her now had ignored Ranaut’s comments in the past. She wrote, “Where was the outrage when a BJP MP called our national cricketers ‘dhobi ka kutta’? Why was there no minister condemning that?”

Selective Outrage or Legitimate Concern?

The issue has now taken a new turn, shifting from a debate on body-shaming to a broader conversation about political hypocrisy. Many opposition leaders and political analysts have weighed in, pointing out that public figures, including politicians and celebrities, should be held to the same standards regardless of their affiliations.

Social media reactions have been mixed. Some believe that Mohamed’s remarks on Rohit Sharma were inappropriate and crossed the line into personal attacks. Others argue that conversations around fitness in sports are valid but should be framed respectfully. On the other hand, a large section of the public agrees with Mohamed’s argument that Ranaut’s past comments were equally inappropriate and should have been condemned with the same intensity.

Cricketers, Sports Analysts, and Public Reaction

While most active cricketers have refrained from commenting, a few retired players and sports analysts have expressed their views. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, now a BJP MP himself, criticized both Mohamed and Ranaut, calling for respectful discourse when talking about national players.

Sports journalist Ayaz Memon stated, “Cricket and politics have always intersected in India, but personal attacks—whether about weight, personal life, or otherwise—should be off-limits. Criticizing a player’s form and tactics is fair, but we must draw the line somewhere.”

Public sentiment appears divided, with hashtags such as #ShamaMohamedControversy and #KanganaHypocrisy trending on X. The incident has reignited discussions on how social media discourse is often shaped by political biases rather than consistent ethical standards.

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Political Feuds

This controversy underscores how social media has become a battleground for political and ideological clashes. In recent years, politicians, celebrities, and public figures have used platforms like X to call out opponents, often leading to viral debates. However, this also raises concerns about online toxicity and the disproportionate impact of certain statements over others.

Social media companies have tried to regulate content by removing tweets that violate community guidelines, as they did with Kangana Ranaut’s controversial tweet in 2021. However, their selective enforcement and the inconsistency of political discourse remain ongoing concerns.

Political Repercussions and the Bigger Picture

This incident is not just about one tweet or a single controversy; it reflects the growing overlap of sports, entertainment, and politics in India. With elections approaching, every statement made by public figures is being scrutinized through a political lens.

For the Congress party, this controversy could be a minor setback, as their spokesperson’s remarks have been widely criticized. On the other hand, their counterattack on Kangana Ranaut and the BJP’s silence on past remarks may resonate with voters who see this as an example of political double standards.

For the BJP, the challenge is to balance its defense of Rohit Sharma while addressing accusations of selective outrage. As one BJP leader stated, “We stand by our sportsmen and will not allow them to be insulted. But this is not about politics; it is about respect for our national heroes.”

Conclusion: A Lesson in Responsible Discourse

The fat-shaming row involving Shama Mohamed and Rohit Sharma has evolved into a broader discussion on respect, accountability, and political double standards. While criticism in sports is natural, the manner in which it is conveyed makes all the difference.

If there’s one takeaway from this controversy, it is the urgent need for consistency in public discourse. Whether it’s a politician, an actor, or a cricketer, every individual deserves the same level of respect, and selective outrage does more harm than good.

As the dust settles, one can only hope that future debates—whether about sports, politics, or society—are handled with more responsibility and fairness. Until then, this episode remains a case study of how a single tweet can ignite a nationwide discussion and expose deeper issues within the fabric of political and social discourse in India.