Is Shah Rukh Khan's IPL Decision Hurting 100 Crore Hindus?
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Synopsis
Devkinandan Thakur's criticism of Shah Rukh Khan's IPL decision to include a Bangladeshi cricketer raises questions about the intersection of sports and religious sentiments in India. With ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, Thakur's call for change resonates with many, and protests loom if demands are ignored.
Key Takeaways
- Devkinandan Thakur criticizes Shah Rukh Khan for including a Bangladeshi player in IPL.
- Thakur claims this decision hurts the sentiments of Hindus nationwide.
- He highlights the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
- Thakur requests that Bangladeshi players be excluded from the IPL.
- Protests are threatened if demands are not met.
New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) Esteemed ‘Kathavachak’ Devkinandan Thakur voiced his disapproval of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan after the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), acquired a Bangladeshi cricketer. Thakur expressed that this move has deeply offended the sentiments of Hindus across the nation, especially considering the reported maltreatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Thakur highlighted the ongoing and troubling persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
“As I speak, Hindus are under constant threat, and there are attempts to harm them. Recently, a businessman was attacked and doused with diesel and petrol while closing his shop,” he alleged.
He noted that typically, religious figures refrain from commenting on sports or entertainment issues.
“The participation of Bangladeshi players in the IPL does not concern us, as we focus on religious matters,” he stated.
Nonetheless, Thakur raised concerns regarding the inclusion of a player from Bangladesh under current conditions.
“While sports are commendable, how can we ignore the atrocities occurring in that nation? When someone like Mr. KKR (Shah Rukh Khan) chooses to invest Rs 9.20 crore in a player from that country, is it not detrimental to the feelings and beliefs of 100 crore Hindus?” he questioned during his talk with IANS.
Thakur clarified that his request was straightforward and reasonable.
“You have a team of 25 or 50 players. Just remove one player and keep the others. If a Sanatan Dharma guru in India is urging this and if 50,000 people share this sentiment, it should be heeded,” he asserted.
He emphasized that his organization believes Bangladeshi cricketers should not be part of the IPL at this time.
“No Bangladeshi player should participate in the IPL. The earnings generated here should not contribute to the suffering of our Hindu community. This is the stance of our Sanatan Board and all true Sanatanis aligned with us,” he conveyed to IANS.
Reiterating his position, Thakur stated he had no interest in Shah Rukh Khan's personal or professional life.
“I maintain my stance regardless of who you are or what your profession may be. My priority is my country, culture, and the welfare of my Hindu Sanatani brothers and sisters globally,” he asserted.
He warned that demonstrations would persist if their demands go unaddressed.
“No financial support or place in your team should be offered to any player from a nation where Hindus are oppressed. If this is not accepted, we will continue our protests. We aim to illustrate what true patriotism is, even in sports,” he added.
Thakur further stated that endorsing individuals from such countries equates to betraying one's own community.
“Supporting the destruction of your own brother while speaking of unity is intolerable. My Hindu brothers and sisters are suffering there, while here, some celebrate and financially support those who oppose us. This cannot persist. Either you stand with us or you betray us. It’s as simple as that,” he elaborated.
Thakur also responded to a separate matter involving Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole, who faced backlash for likening Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram.
Thakur firmly rejected this comparison, stating, “Only Ram is equal to Ram. I hope everyone, including Rahul Gandhi and Patole ji, has faith in Lord Ram.”
He emphasized that devotion to Lord Ram should transcend political divides.
“Regardless of party affiliation, devotion to Ram brings rewards. Those who oppose Ram have never gained from this country,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the sentiments expressed by Devkinandan Thakur concerning Shah Rukh Khan's IPL decision. While sports often transcend boundaries, the ongoing issues faced by Hindus in Bangladesh cannot be overlooked. The intersection of culture, religion, and sports calls for a nuanced discussion that respects both the spirit of the game and the cultural sensitivities involved.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason behind Devkinandan Thakur's criticism of Shah Rukh Khan?
Devkinandan Thakur criticized Shah Rukh Khan for including a Bangladeshi cricketer in the IPL, claiming it offends the sentiments of Hindus due to the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
What are the concerns surrounding the inclusion of Bangladeshi players in the IPL?
The concerns stem from the reported abuses against Hindus in Bangladesh, leading to calls for avoiding the participation of players from a nation where Hindus are allegedly mistreated.
What did Thakur suggest regarding the IPL team composition?
Thakur suggested that KKR could remove one Bangladeshi player from their team to address the sentiments of Hindus, highlighting that the request is reasonable given the context.
How did Thakur respond to the political comparison of Rahul Gandhi to Lord Ram?
Thakur strongly opposed the comparison, stating that only Lord Ram is equal to Ram and emphasizing that devotion to Ram transcends political affiliations.
What actions might Thakur's organization take if their demands are not met?
Thakur warned that protests would continue if their demands regarding the exclusion of Bangladeshi players from the IPL are not addressed.
