New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) A significant uproar has arisen following the remarks made by esteemed Kathavachak Devkinandan Thakur against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan after his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), brought on board Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman.

This situation has ignited intense responses from various political factions, with representatives from the BJP, Congress, NCP, CPI(M), Samajwadi Party, and Shiv Sena (UBT) expressing their views, raising concerns about sports, religion, national interests, and alleged persecutions against minorities in Bangladesh.

In an interview with IANS, Devkinandan Thakur asserted that KKR's decision to include a Bangladeshi player has hurt the sentiments of Hindus nationwide, particularly in light of the alleged mistreatment of Hindus in Bangladesh.

He claimed that violence against Hindus in the neighboring country persists and detailed recent instances of severe attacks.

Thakur expressed that religious leaders typically refrain from engaging in sports or entertainment, but he believes the current situation justifies a response.

He questioned Shah Rukh Khan's choice, arguing that allowing a Bangladeshi player to participate in the IPL for a substantial fee equates to disrespecting the feelings of “100 crore Hindus.” He called for a ban on Bangladeshi cricketers in the IPL under the prevailing circumstances and threatened protests if his demand was ignored.

Reinforcing his position, Thakur emphasized that his concern lies not with Shah Rukh Khan's career or stature but with what he perceives as the safeguarding of Hindu interests globally.

The controversy quickly morphed into a political issue, with the Congress party scrutinizing the ‘selective’ criticism aimed at Shah Rukh Khan and redirecting attention to the government and cricket authorities.

Congress national spokesperson Supriya Shrinate questioned the government on why Bangladeshi players are allowed in the IPL if there are legitimate concerns regarding atrocities.

She inquired as to why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers remained silent on the matter, and she challenged the role of the BCCI and its Secretary, Jay Shah.

Congress leader Rakesh Sinha accused the BJP leaders and religious figures of targeting Shah Rukh Khan's identity deliberately, citing that cricket matches between India and Pakistan continued even after terrorist incidents and questioning why similar concerns were not raised then.

Senior Congress figure Harish Rawat dismissed the uproar as unnecessary, while NCP (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Fauzia Khan criticized what she termed communal politics.

She asked why playing cricket against Pakistan is acceptable while signing a Bangladeshi player has sparked controversy, deeming the discussion “backward and uncivilized.”

CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah condemned the intertwining of religion and politics with sports, stating such actions are detrimental and should be avoided. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma urged religious leaders to distance themselves from politics and focus on social welfare.

Amidst the escalating conflict, BJP leaders expressed mixed sentiments. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo stated that sports should remain unlinked to politics but acknowledged that emotions inevitably rise during national interest matters.

He mentioned that the Centre has taken diplomatic measures by summoning the Bangladesh High Commissioner and addressing concerns over minority safety.

BJP MP Yogender Chandolia supported Thakur's sentiments, claiming that signing a Bangladeshi player amid reports of atrocities seems provocative and suggested terminating the contract.

The issue also elicited reactions in Jammu and Kashmir, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Manish Sahni threatened protests if Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman played for KKR. He asserted that violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is on the rise and demanded a comprehensive boycott of Bangladeshi players in the IPL and future international tournaments.

BJP leader Raj K. Purohit called for action against Shah Rukh Khan, seeking a boycott of his films. His remarks further intensified the controversy, drawing criticism from opposition members.

Concurrently, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal stated that Shah Rukh Khan must clarify whether he stands with India or “anti-national forces,” insisting that the actor should make his position clear amid the ongoing discourse.

Congress MP Manoj Kumar advocated for keeping sports free from religion and community identity. While condemning violence in Bangladesh, he emphasized that cricket should remain a sport and that players should not be targeted based on nationality.