Congress, Dhirendra Shastri back Shah Rukh Khan, BJP cries ‘traitor’ over KKR selecting Bangladeshi player

By Admin

02 Jan, 2026

Introduction
The selection of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman by Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) has triggered a sharp political and ideological debate in India. What began as a sporting decision has escalated into a national controversy, drawing reactions from political parties, Hindu spiritual leaders, and public figures, amid heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh over recent violence against Hindus.

KKR’s Selection and the Spark of Controversy
KKR recently inducted Mustafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi left-arm fast-medium bowler, into its IPL squad. The move immediately drew criticism from sections of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindu religious figures, particularly in the backdrop of reported attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Critics questioned the appropriateness of including a Bangladeshi player during a period of strained bilateral sentiments.

BJP Leader Sangeet Som’s ‘Traitor’ Remark
Former Uttar Pradesh MLA and BJP leader Sangeet Som launched a scathing attack on Shah Rukh Khan, calling him a “traitor.” Som accused the actor of investing money in players from a country he alleged was “working against India.” Referring to reports of persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, Som claimed that Shah Rukh Khan owed his success to India and should not support individuals from a hostile nation.

Som further warned that Mustafizur Rahman would not be allowed to play in India, stating that the cricketer “would not be able to step outside the airport at any cost,” escalating the rhetoric beyond political criticism into a direct threat.

Congress Responds, Defends Shah Rukh Khan
The Congress party strongly condemned Som’s remarks. Congress MP Manickam Tagore described the “traitor” label as an attack on India’s pluralistic values. Taking to social media platform X, Tagore said that hate cannot define nationalism and accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of poisoning society with divisive narratives.

According to the Congress, targeting a sportsperson’s nationality or a team owner’s decision undermines the inclusive spirit of both India and international sport.

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s Balanced Stand
Spiritual leader Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, adopted a more measured tone. While stating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would take the final call on Mustafizur Rahman’s participation, he emphasized that sports should remain separate from political conflicts.

However, Shastri also urged Bangladeshi cricketers to raise their voices for the safety and protection of Hindus in Bangladesh. He stated that while a game has its own rules and should not be politicized, players also carry a moral responsibility toward society and humanity.

Hindu Spiritual Figures Criticise SRK
BJP leader Sangeet Som’s remarks echoed the views of Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, who previously labelled Shah Rukh Khan’s actions as “traitorous” and questioned his character. Another Hindu spiritual leader, Devkinandan Thakur, described KKR’s selection of the Bangladeshi player as “cruel,” citing reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Thakur argued that Shah Rukh Khan, who rose to prominence in India, should show sensitivity toward the suffering of Hindus across the border. He demanded that the KKR management remove the player and suggested redirecting the reported remuneration of ₹9.2 crore to families affected by violence in Bangladesh as an act of remorse.

Backdrop of Violence in Bangladesh
The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of a fresh wave of violence in Bangladesh. Unrest reportedly intensified after the assassination of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi on December 18. Amid the protests, a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched over alleged blasphemy, with his body set on fire.

Further incidents followed, including the reported lynching of Amrit Mondal on December 24 in Rajbari town’s Pangsha upazila. On December 31, another Hindu businessman, Khokon Chandra Das, was brutally attacked, hacked, and set on fire in Shariatpur district while returning home after closing his shop. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Sports, Nationalism, and a Growing Divide
The KKR-Mustafizur Rahman episode highlights the growing intersection of sports, politics, religion, and nationalism in India. While critics argue that moral responsibility should guide decisions during times of geopolitical tension, others maintain that sport must remain insulated from political and communal conflicts.

As reactions continue to pour in, the debate raises larger questions about nationalism, pluralism, and the boundaries between political ideology and global sporting platforms like the IPL.

Conclusion
What began as a routine team selection has transformed into a flashpoint reflecting deeper social and political fault lines. With voices ranging from outright condemnation to calls for restraint and balance, the controversy underscores the challenges of maintaining harmony in a climate of heightened sensitivities, both within and beyond India’s borders.