Minister Vishwas Sarang Condemns Extremist Remarks, Assures Full Protection to Cricketer’s Family
Bhopal, March 17 – Indian cricketer Mohammad Shami has once again become the target of radical elements, this time over a video of his daughter playing Holi. Hardline cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi sparked controversy by calling the celebration ‘against Sharia’ and ‘illegitimate’, leading to widespread criticism. Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang has now come forward in Shami’s support, slamming fundamentalists for overstepping their limits.
“India Will No Longer Tolerate the Politics of Threats” – Minister Sarang
Addressing the media on Monday, Minister Vishwas Sarang strongly condemned Maulana Rizvi’s remarks, calling them “objectionable and unacceptable”.
🔹 “What problem do hardliners have if Mohammad Shami’s daughter plays Holi?” asked Sarang.
🔹 “This country belongs to people of all religions. No one can impose religious restrictions on an individual’s personal choices.”
🔹 “Shami and his daughter need not fear anyone. The government will provide full protection.”
Sarang also wrote a letter to Shami, reassuring him that he does not need to bow down to radical threats and that India stands with him and his family.
Sarang Slams Hardliners for Targeting a National Hero
The Madhya Pradesh minister further lashed out at fundamentalists for threatening a cricketer who brings glory to the nation.
“Mohammad Shami has made India proud, and now his daughter is being targeted for playing Holi. This is disgraceful. Hardliners have no right to dictate how someone celebrates festivals in a democratic country like India.”
Sarang reminded that this was not the first time Shami was targeted by radicals.
🔹 In the past, clerics had criticized Shami for drinking water while playing cricket during Ramadan.
🔹 They also objected to him not fasting due to his professional commitments.
“The extremism has reached alarming levels, and it will not be tolerated anymore,” he added.
“Where Are Congress and Priyanka Gandhi Now?” – Sarang Questions Opposition Silence
The minister did not hold back from attacking the Congress party and the opposition, accusing them of selective silence on threats faced by Shami’s daughter.
“A superstar’s daughter is being threatened. Where is Priyanka Gandhi now? Where are those who claim ‘Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon’?”
Sarang further took a dig at Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, questioning why they were silent on the intimidation of a young girl.
“Why is Congress afraid of condemning radicalism? Their silence proves that they engage in appeasement politics.”
He called upon opposition leaders to take a stand against religious fundamentalism instead of turning a blind eye to such intimidation tactics.
“India Respects All Religions, No One Can Divide Society”
Minister Sarang concluded his remarks by warning Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi and other hardliners against trying to spread religious discord in the country.
🔹 “India’s culture embraces all religions and festivals.”
🔹 “No one will be allowed to divide our society on religious grounds.”
🔹 “The government will take strict action against such threats.”
“Shami and his family should live with confidence. No extremist group can dictate their personal lives,” Sarang affirmed.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
