Who is Shama Mohamed? Know all about Congress politician who fat-shamed Rohit Sharma

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Shama Mohamed, a national spokesperson for the Indian National Congress, has been at the center of a controversy after her remarks on Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's fitness sparked widespread criticism.

The politician, who took to social media to comment on Sharma's physique, described him as "fat" and called him an "unimpressive captain." Her post, which has since been deleted, drew backlash from political leaders and cricket fans alike.

Shama Mohamed's Background

Born in Kannur, Kerala, Shama Mohamed has an academic background in dentistry. She pursued her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from Yenepoya Dental College in Mangaluru. Before transitioning into politics, Mohamed had a brief stint in journalism. Her political career gained momentum when she was appointed as a spokesperson for the Congress party in July 2015. In December 2018, she was elevated to the role of a national media panellist for the party, making her a prominent face in political debates and discussions.

### The Fat-Shaming Controversy

Mohamed's comments on Rohit Sharma's physique came ahead of India's high-profile matches in the Champions Trophy. In her social media post, she remarked that Sharma "needs to lose weight" and labeled him as "the most unimpressive captain India has ever had." The remarks did not sit well with cricket fans, sports analysts, and political figures, many of whom condemned the statement as unnecessary and disrespectful.

Defending her stance, Mohamed later stated that her comments were not meant as body-shaming but were rather an observation about an athlete's fitness. "It was a generic tweet about the fitness of a sportsperson. It was not body-shaming," she explained. "I always believed a sportsperson should be fit, and I felt he was a bit overweight, so I just tweeted about that. I have the right to give my opinion in a democracy."

### Congress Party's Response

Following the uproar, the Congress party distanced itself from Mohamed's remarks. Senior leader Pawan Khera clarified that her views did not represent the party's official position. "Dr. Shama Mohamed 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 has been advised to exercise greater caution in the future," Khera stated.

Congress MP Rajani Patil also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that the party does not support body-shaming. "Talking this way about a sportsperson who represents the country is not right. The party will seek a response from her on this issue," she said.

The controversy surrounding Mohamed's comments highlights the intersection of politics and sports in India, where remarks on cricketers often spark intense public debate.