Renowned speaker Devkinandan Thakur criticized Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, for signing a Bangladeshi cricketer. The Congress raised concerns about allowing Bangladeshi players in the IPL and highlighted the recent India-Pakistan cricket match post the Pahalgam terror attack. Party leaders accused Thakur and BJP members of targeting Shah Rukh Khan deliberately.
Thakur’s remarks about KKR’s decision upsetting Hindus, especially amidst reported atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, sparked controversy. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate called for questioning the government’s inaction on alleged brutal targeting of Hindus in Bangladesh. She criticized the silence of PM Modi and questioned the involvement of Jay Shah and Amit Shah in allowing the Bangladeshi player.
Congress leader Rakesh Sinha alleged selective outrage, pointing out the silence of religious leaders during the India-Pakistan cricket match post the Pahalgam incident. He criticized the focus on Shah Rukh Khan, suggesting a bias in the reactions. NCP (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Fauzia Khan criticized the Hindu-Muslim politics surrounding the issue and urged an end to such discussions based on religion.
CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah condemned the intertwining of religion, politics, and sports, emphasizing the need to keep sports and culture separate from such influences. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma urged spiritual leaders to focus on public welfare rather than getting involved in politics. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo defended the signing of the Bangladeshi player, citing concerns over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia expressed emotions over Hindus being targeted and criticized the signing of a Bangladeshi player by Shah Rukh Khan’s team. He called for terminating the contract to avoid controversy.
