BJP Defends Jay Shah’s ICC Role as Elected, Not Dynastic
A political war of words erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a sarcastic remark congratulating Union Home Minister Amit Shah on his son, Jay Shah, becoming the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mamata wrote, “Congratulations, Union Home Minister!! Your son has not become a politician, but has become the ICC Chairman – a post much much more important than most politicians’!! Your son has indeed become very very powerful and I congratulate you on his this most elevated achievement indeed!” Her comment appeared to mock Jay Shah’s new position and its perceived significance.
Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma quickly responded, defending Shah’s appointment. Sarma pointed out that the ICC Chairman is an elected position, unlike the dynastic control over organizations, a clear jab at Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. “Respected Didi, ICC Chairperson is an elected post. You will agree with me that this is different from handing over the control of an organisation to one’s nephew or son. Let us take pride that with Jay Shah, five Indians have had the honour to head global cricket,” Sarma wrote on X.
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale fired back, taking a personal swipe at Sarma, calling him a “broker” involved in toppling state governments, referring to political turmoil in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Gokhale criticized Sarma’s use of the word “elected,” and implied that Sarma’s role in politics was far less legitimate. He stated, “For a broker who steps in whenever state govts are to be toppled in Maharashtra or Jharkhand, the word ‘elected’ doesn’t suit your personality.”
Adding to the exchange, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also joined in, defending Jay Shah’s election to the ICC and taking aim at Mamata Banerjee. “Didi is under the impression that ICC Chairperson has been handed over like someone giving away the power of an organisation to a close relative such as a nephew or son… Jay Shah got voted to be the chairman,” Singh said in a post on X, dismissing Banerjee’s remarks as a misunderstanding.
The heated exchange between the two parties further highlighted the ongoing rivalry between TMC and BJP, with Mamata Banerjee’s sarcastic remarks fueling a larger debate over dynastic politics and political favoritism.
(With inputs from agency)
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