Earlier, Udhayanidhi Stalin had courted controversy with his comments on Sanatana Dharma.
New Delhi:
DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin used the ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan mocking Pakistani cricketers during the India vs Pakistan World Cup match in Ahmedabad on Saturday. He criticized what he said. Stalin’s comments prompted a sharp reaction from Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, with the party’s national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia calling him a “mosquito” out to “spread poison”.
A video of people raising slogans as Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan heads towards the dugout has sparked strong reactions. Many say the slogan goes against the spirit of cricket and amounts to harassment of cricketers.
However, some voices point out that Rizwan had offered namaz on the field in an earlier match to express solidarity with the people of the war-hit Gaza Strip, and that it was Pakistan who brought religion onto the field. He claims to be a cricket player.
India is famous for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan’s players at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was unacceptable and at a new low. Sport must be a unifying force between nations and foster true brotherhood. If you use it as a tool… pic.twitter.com/MJnPJsERyK
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) October 14, 2023
Ms Stalin told X that India is known for its sportsmanship and hospitality and that the treatment of athletes from neighboring countries was the “worst ever”.
“India is known for its sportsmanship and hospitality, but the treatment given to Pakistani players at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and at an all-time low. Sports has the power to unite nations. “We should foster true brotherhood. Using sports as a tool to spread hatred is reprehensible.”
Previously, Mr. Stalin had caused a stir with his comments on Sanatana Dharma. The DMK leader, who is the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and party leader MK Stalin, said Sanatana Dharma is against the idea of social justice and must be “eradicated”. “Sanatana is like malaria or dengue fever and we must eradicate it, not oppose it,” he said in September. The comment drew condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Reacting to his latest remarks, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told There is no problem if the game is paused due to this.” He said. “Our Lord Ram lives in every corner of the universe, say so, Jai Shri Ram,” he added.
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Translation of है、तो बोलो जय श्री 🙏#IndiavsPakpic.twitter.com/Tm7Ikxbtqw
— Gaurav Bhatia गौरव भाटिया 🇮🇳 (@gauravbhatiabjp) October 15, 2023
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale also strongly condemned the raising of slogans to heckle Pakistani cricketers.
Prime Minister Modi is keen for India to host the 2036 Olympics.
But if this means that the BJP is reducing our crowds and heckling Pakistani players with Jai Shri Ram chants, then we are not qualified enough to host international matches. The big question remains whether there will be sports… pic.twitter.com/8m4BgdAOFn
— Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) October 15, 2023
“Prime Minister Modi really wants India to host the 2036 Olympics. But if this means that the Bharatiya Janata Party reduces our audience and heckles the Pakistani athletes with chants of Jai Shri Ram. “If we were to fly, the big question remains whether we have enough qualifications and sporting ability to ‘host any international sporting event,'” he wrote to X.
India had a comfortable seven-wicket win against Pakistan on Saturday, making it their eighth straight win against their neighbors in the World Cup.
The Pakistan team’s visit to the World Cup and the lavish reception it received in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad drew mixed reactions. Many cricket fans say political differences should not be allowed to spoil the match. Some point to Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and question how normal sporting relations can be maintained despite border tensions.
