Sania Mirza VS K Laxman

Today, Telangana BJP leader K Laxman made headlines as he refuted the TRS government’s decision to make tennis star Sania Mirza the brand ambassador of the new state by questioning Sania’s allegiance and credentials.  Calling her a “daughter-in-law” of Pakistan, Laxman lit a fire that will burn the news for a while (eclipsing more news-worthy stories).
The moment the comment was made, lines were drawn, sides were chosen and words were said; a lot of words.

Here are the attention-grabbers.

K Kavitha, TRS MP –“The Indian government has given many awards to her and we have never said that she is not the citizen of India. As per my knowledge of sports she plays from India’s team. So, the decision taken is not wrong.”

Ashutosh, AAP leader – “BJP should apologies for the statement on Sania Mirza. Such statements are not good for democracy.”

Subramanian Swamy, BJP leader –“When people have divided loyalties, we cannot expect them to represent country or any other part of the country faithfully. The BJP’s stand is just.”

Sanjay Jha, Congress National Spokesman  – “Sania Mirza is an inspirational story of India; Grand Slam champ in doubles, singles ranking of 27, gold in Asian games. Problem anyone?”

V Hanumantha Rao, Rajya Sabha MP-  “She is married to a Pakistani. People will not appreciate this decision. She has never fought for Telangana so how can she be made the ambassador.”

Kiran Bedi, Activist – “Sania Mirza is the daughter of India. She has brought innumerable laurels to the country in the game of Tennis. She is a brand ambassador! When Sania wins, she wins for India and Pakistan. The more the better. Let both countries gain from her hard work. She is an inspiration for youth.”

Brinda Karat, CPI( Marxist) Leader – “Only a pervert and twisted mind can give such a statement. “

Tehseen Poonawalla, Businessman- “Do we men loose our identity post our marriage? Then why should the women?”

Ramesh Srivats, Entrepreneur ‏ -“SaniaMirza or not, why does Telangana need a brand ambassador in the first place?”

Kavita Krishnan, Activist –“Calling Saina the daughter-in-law of Pak is ugly sexism. BJP shouldn’t force feed us this jingoist khap-mindedness!”

And finally, Sania’s statement.

“It hurts me that so much precious time of prominent politicians and the media is being wasted on a petty issue of my being appointed the Brand Ambassador of my State of Telangana.

1. I am married to Mr. Shoaib Malik, who is from Pakistan. I am an Indian, who will remain an Indian until the end of my life.

2. I was born in Mumbai as my mother needed to be at a specialist hospital since she was seriously unwell at the time of my birth.

I came home to Hyderabad when I was 3 weeks old. My forefathers have lived in Hyderabad for more than a century. My grandfather, Mr. Mohammed ZafferMirza started his career as an Engineer – in Nizam’s Railways in Hyderabad in 1948 and died in his ancestral home in Hyderabad. My great grandfather, Mr. Mohd Ahmed Mirza was also born and raised in Hyderabad.  He was the Chief Engineer, Water Works, Hyderabad and was responsible for constructing the famous Gandipet dam. My great, great grandfather, Mr. Aziz Mirza was the Home Secretary under the Nizam in Hyderabad and worked tirelessly for relief works during the historic Musi River floods of 1908. So, my family belongs to Hyderabad for more than a century and I strongly condemn any attempts by any person, whosoever, to brand me an outsider. I hope this clears all doubts and issues.”

The issue rages on and with all the twitter fury dedicated to it, we’re wondering why #saniaInsulted isn’t trending yet! But then, the day isn’t over.