Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 2: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has landed at the centre of a growing political controversy following his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to sign Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman, with leaders across parties either criticising the move or alleging that the actor is being selectively targeted over his religious identity.

Leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena objected to the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player in the IPL, citing reports of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. BJP leader Sangeet Som went to the extent of calling the signing “treason”, alleging that Hindus in Bangladesh were being tortured and driven out of their homes.

Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde said his party would not support allowing players from a country where atrocities against Hindus were being reported to play in India. He urged the IPL Governing Council and the BCCI to ban such players, claiming they should not benefit from Indian hospitality and money.

Spiritual leader Rambhadracharya also criticised Shah Rukh Khan, questioning his nationalism and calling his stance “anti-national”.

However, opposition leaders and several political voices came out in defence of the actor. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap said Shah Rukh Khan was being targeted because he is Muslim, calling it an example of the “double-faced policy” of the BJP-RSS, especially when India continues to play cricket with Pakistan. He also clarified that Shah Rukh Khan does not single-handedly select players for KKR, stating that there is a formal selection process involving franchise partners and the ICC.

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said not every issue should be politicised and questioned what would be achieved by targeting the actor. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi also dismissed the controversy, asking whether the player himself had ever harmed Hindus, and argued that governments often fuel hatred for political gains.

The controversy comes amid reports of recent violent incidents against Hindus in Bangladesh, including lynchings and brutal attacks reported in December, which have added to the political heat surrounding the IPL signing.