BJP Criticizes Shah Rukh Khan for Acquiring Bangladeshi Cricketer

A BJP official from Uttar Pradesh has leveled strong accusations against Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan following his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, securing Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for an estimated Rs 9.2 crore.

Sangeet Som, a former member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, labeled Shah Rukh as a "traitor" for introducing the Bangladeshi athlete during a period marked by increased violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

At a public gathering in Meerut, Som stated, "While Hindus face peril in Bangladesh, a cricketer is being welcomed into the IPL. This traitorous actor, Shah Rukh Khan, chooses to recruit Mustafizur Rahman. Individuals like him have no place in our nation."

He elaborated, "The success you enjoy has been supported by the people of India. Any wealth you accrue is rooted in this country, yet you choose to betray it."

Som also cautioned that international players like Rahman may find challenges in India, warning that they "won't even be able to exit the airport" upon their arrival for the IPL, set to commence in March.

Spiritual figure Devkinandan Thakur added his voice of discontent over Khan's decision, urging KKR management to reconsider the inclusion of the Bangladeshi player.

"Those devotees of Sanatan and Hindus who helped elevate Shah Rukh's career see that he has overlooked the violence inflicted on Hindus in Bangladesh while including such players in his team," Thakur remarked.

The opposition in Uttar Pradesh responded to the uproar, with the state assembly's opposition leader, Mata Prasad Pandey, rebuking Som's comments, while Congress leader Surender Rajput branded the BJP as a "traitor party" for allegedly targeting Shah Rukh Khan based on his religious background.

UP minister and BJP ally Om Prakash Rajbhar also condemned Som's statements as unnecessary attention-seeking.

This heated discourse comes in the context of strained relations between India and Bangladesh, exacerbated by the lynching and subsequent burning of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, last month over alleged blasphemy.