Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reacted on Thursday to India pacer Mohammed Shami praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for meeting the team in their dressing room after their loss in the final of the World Cup 2023 to Australia.
Rijiju said Shami’s statement was “very responsible” and “unlike some irresponsible people who are publicly drawing sadistic pleasure on India’s defeat”.
Shami had said that the Prime Minister’s gesture was important and gave the team confidence after their loss. “Because your morale is already down. It is something really different,” Shami had told the media.
Rijiju also slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi while praising Shami and said, “People know very well why Shri Rahul Gandhi hates Prime Minister Modi Ji!! So I won’t explain further.”
The Union Minister’s remark was in reference to the Congress leader calling PM Modi a ‘panauti’ (bad omen) and claiming that his entry made India lose the 2023 World Cup final match against Australia.
Rahul Gandhi made the remark while addressing a poll rally in Rajasthan’s Jalore.
Following his remark, the BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the poll body issued a notice to the Congress MP on Thursday.
The Election Commission asked Rahul Gandhi to submit a reply by 6 pm on Saturday, explaining why action should not be initiated against him for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
