Who's Shama Mohamed, Congress spokesperson who called Rohit Sharma 'fat?'
What's the story
Dr. Shama Mohamed, a national spokesperson for the Indian National Congress (INC), has been at the receiving end of a massive backlash after her controversial comments on Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma.
On social media platform X, she called Sharma "fat for a captain" and "unfit," making him one of India's most "unimpressive" captains. Her post is now deleted.
Her remarks have been criticized by her own party and political rivals alike.
Party response
Congress distances itself from Mohamed's remarks
The INC was quick to distance itself from Mohamed's statements. Congress leader Pawan Khera clarified that her remarks do not reflect the party's official stance.
"Dr Shama Mohammed...made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party's position," Khera stated.
He added that Mohamed was advised to delete her posts and exercise greater caution in future communications.
Political backlash
BJP criticizes Mohamed's comments, questions Gandhi's leadership
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also slammed Mohamed's comments.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, in fact, questioned Rahul Gandhi's leadership record after Mohamed criticized Sharma.
"Those who have lost 90 elections under captaincy of Rahul Gandhi are calling captaincy of Rohit Sharma unimpressive!" Poonawalla said.
Background
Academics and career
Apart from her political career, Mohamed is a practicing dentist and had previously worked as a journalist.
She completed her primary education at an Indian school in Kuwait, after which she pursued a Bachelor of Dental Surgeon degree from Yenepoya Dental College in Mangaluru from 1992-1997.
Subsequently, she practiced dentistry for several years before turning to journalism, working with organizations like Zee News.
Statement defense
Mohamed has 2 children
She was appointed as a national media panelist by the Congress in 2018 and later became the party's national spokesperson.
She is an active political figure in the Congress party's cadre, presenting at a number of events and spreading the party's message via various media and social media channels.
She is married and a mother of two.