DMK leader criticises 'Jai Shri Ram' chants during India-Pak match; BJP reacts
New Delhi, October 16: Udhayanidhi Stalin, a DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister, has condemned the chanting of 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans to taunt a Pakistan cricketer during the India-Pakistan World Cup match in Ahmedabad on Saturday. His comments have sparked a sharp response from BJP leaders, with the party's national spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, describing him as a "mosquito" seeking to "spread poison."
Videos of people raising the slogans as Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan walked to the dugout have stirred strong reactions. Many have criticised the sloganeering as against the spirit of cricket and deemed it harassment of the cricketer.
India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low. Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool… pic.twitter.com/MJnPJsERyK — Udhay (@Udhaystalin) October 14, 2023
Nevertheless, some have pointed to Rizwan's previous actions, such as offering namaz on the field and expressing solidarity with the people in war-torn Gaza during an earlier match, alleging that it was the Pakistani cricketer who introduced religion into the field.
Taking to X, Udhayanidhi Stalin stated, "India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low. Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool to spread hatred is condemnable."
नफ़रती डेंगू मलेरिया मच्छर फिर निकला है विष घोलने जब मैच रुकवा कर फील्ड पर नमाज़ पड़ी जाती है तो तुम्हें साँप सूँघ जाता है
सृष्टि के हर कन कन मे हमारे प्रभु श्री राम बसते है, तो बोलो जय श्री राम ????#IndiavsPak pic.twitter.com/Tm7Ikxbtqw — Gaurav Bhatia गौरव भाटिया ???????? (@gauravbhatiabjp) October 15, 2023
Earlier, Mr. Stalin had caused controversy with his remarks on Sanatana Dharma, stating it must be "eradicated." In response to his latest comment, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia posted on X in Hindi, "This hateful dengue, malaria mosquito is out to spread poison again. You don't have a problem when a match is paused for namaz on the field. Our Lord Ram resides in every corner of the universe, so say Jai Shri Ram."
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale also criticized the chanting of slogans to heckle the Pakistani cricketer, expressing doubts about India's qualification to host international sporting events.
India secured a comfortable 7-wicket victory against Pakistan on Saturday, marking its eighth consecutive World Cup win against its neighboring rival.
PM Modi desperately wants India to host the 2036 Olympics.
But if this is what BJP has reduced our audiences to - where they heckle a Pakistani player with chants of Jai Shri Ram - massive doubts remain over whether we’re qualified & sporting enough to host ANY international… pic.twitter.com/8m4BgdAOFn — Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) October 15, 2023
The Pakistan team's presence at the World Cup and its warm reception in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad have garnered mixed reactions. While some cricket fans emphasize that political differences should not interfere with the game, others have raised questions about maintaining normal sports relations with Pakistan amid border tensions due to cross-border terrorism.
- With inputs from agencies
