A fresh controversy has erupted over Congress leader Shama Mohamed’s recent statement linking mathematics to Islam. During an interview with news agency ANI, Shama Mohamed claimed, “Math has come through Islam,” sparking sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ridiculed her remarks and linked them to past statements by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Amit Malviya, the BJP’s media cell head, took a jibe at Shama Mohamed, suggesting that she was attempting to match Rahul Gandhi’s controversial statements. “I think she has decided that Rahul Gandhi alone can’t make all the absurd statements in the Congress,” Malviya said. His comments fueled a broader debate on historical contributions and religious affiliations with scientific advancements.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla further criticized Shama Mohamed and the Congress party’s stance on various issues. He remarked that several Congress leaders could rival Rahul Gandhi in making controversial statements. He also accused the party of maintaining a “selective silence” on issues concerning Islamic radicalism while being vocal on others. Referring to past incidents, Poonawalla pointed out the backlash cricketer Mohammed Shami faced from radical Muslim clerics for not observing Roza during the holy month of Ramzan.
“Well, Amit Malviya, there are many in Congress who can give competition to Rahul Gandhi when it comes to absurd statements. But have you noticed the eerie, eloquent, and convenient silence of the so-called ‘secular brigade’ of Congress when radical elements targeted Mohammed Shami for putting the nation first? They can abuse Rohit Sharma for his weight, claim Hindu terror, and target the Sanatan Dharma community, but they won’t say a word against Islamic radicals because of votebank politics,” Poonawalla wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The controversy over Mohammed Shami erupted when Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, the president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, called him a “criminal” for not fasting during Ramzan. Shami, who was seen drinking an energy drink during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia, was criticized by certain radical groups.
In response, Shama Mohamed came out in support of the Indian cricketer, arguing that Islam does not mandate fasting for athletes competing in demanding sports. She emphasized that Islam provides exemptions for those traveling or engaged in strenuous activities, stating, “No one insists that you must fast while playing a sport. Islam is a very scientific religion.”
Shama Mohamed’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing political discourse, with the BJP using the controversy to attack the Congress party. As the debate continues, both parties remain engaged in a war of words over religious interpretations and political ideologies.
