Congress leader Shama Mohamed has stirred a fresh controversy by claiming that mathematics was introduced to humankind through Islam. In an interview with news agency ANI, she stated, “Math has come through Islam.” Her remark quickly drew sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with party media cell head Amit Malviya mocking the statement, likening it to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s past remarks. Malviya quipped, “I think she has decided that Rahul Gandhi alone can’t make all the absurd statements in the Congress.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also joined in, stating that several Congress leaders could rival Rahul Gandhi in making contentious statements. Poonawalla took to social media, writing, “There are many in Congress who can compete with Rahul Gandhi in making absurd statements. But have you noticed the convenient silence of the so-called ‘secular brigade’ when radical elements attacked Mohammad Shami for prioritizing the nation? They can insult Rohit Sharma over his weight, talk about Hindu terror and Sanatan Samapt targeting the Hindu community, but won’t say a word against Islamic radicals because of vote bank politics.”
The controversy comes in the backdrop of an ongoing debate over Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, who was criticized by Muslim cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi for not observing Roza (fasting) during Ramadan. The cleric labeled Shami a “criminal” after he was seen drinking an energy drink during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia.
In response, Shama Mohamed defended Shami, arguing that Islam does not mandate fasting while playing sports. “Islam has provisions for those who are traveling. When we are away from home, we are not required to fast. Mohammed Shami is traveling and playing a sport where he needs to stay hydrated. What truly matters is one’s actions. Islam is a very scientific religion,” she told ANI.
This controversy, coupled with Mohamed’s past remarks—such as calling Rohit Sharma fat in a now-deleted social media post—has further fueled political debates between the Congress and BJP, adding another layer to the ongoing political sparring.
