New Delhi: Shama Mohamed, a leader of the Indian National Congress, came under criticism after posting a sharp response on X to a Muslim user who questioned her praise for actor Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film Dhurandhar Part 1, which has already sparked political controversy online.
The row began after X user Shoaib Ali Mohammed, who identified himself as an IIT and IIM graduate, objected to Shama endorsing the film. He described Dhurandhar Part 1 as a “Hindutva propaganda” project and referred to allegations made by several critics and commentators who have accused the film of promoting Hindutva-driven narratives.
“How can you post this , this propoganda movie showed muslims in bad light . Shame on you,” the user commented on Shama’s post.
In response, Shama posted remarks that quickly triggered backlash on social media platforms. Responding to the comment, she rejected the allegation that the movie portrayed Muslims negatively.
“It did not show Muslims in bad light but Pakistanis in bad light ! Shame on you for confusing the two. People like you spoil the name of Muslims in India. You are most welcome to leave India & take the citizenship of Pakistan,” she wrote.
Many users accused the Congress spokesperson of employing rhetoric commonly associated with majoritarian political discourse directed at dissenting Muslims. Critics pointed out that telling Indian Muslims to “go to Pakistan” over disagreements has historically been used as a political trope to question the belonging and patriotism of Muslims in India.
The user later responded to Shama’s reply, “Who the hell are you to tell me to move to pakistan . My great father fought for this country and all my great great grandfathers were son of this soil…”
Several commentators also noted that Shama’s language has generally not been identified with the public messaging of the Congress party.
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar Part 1 continues to attract criticism from sections of social media and political commentators, who point out that the film promotes nationalist themes and anti-Muslim stereotypes under the cover of patriotism.