It is unusual for members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to speak up in support of non-mainstream journalists, rather, those whose words are a bitter pill for the ruling party. However, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia’s comments on the spiteful exchange of words between The Wire senior journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani and former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria asking him “to hold his horses” were a surprise to X users.
The senior BJP leader’s X post suggested that even though he disagreed with Arfa Khanum Sherwani’s comments about India’s hospitality, he would not hesitate to lend her support.
“Mr Danish Kaneria it would be nice if you could put your house in order first. Arfa criticized our country, wrongly so, but our relationship is not defined by the religion we profess but by the country we love, our Bharat. Even when there is very little in common with her, I decide to stand with a fellow Indian over the common faith we both have. This will surely go a long way to show to every citizen that the bond of love for our country should always be stronger than the bond of religion. Never ever dare to trouble a fellow Indian otherwise you will also be thrown out of the arena like the cricket ball. Jai Hind,” he said.
On October 24, journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani and the former Pakistani cricket were engaged in a war of words over her comments on the behaviour of fans during the ongoing World Cup matches.
Many videos surfaced on social media platforms where Pakistani cricketers are seen being humiliated by Indian audiences.
Arfa Khanum Sherwani wrote, “Deplorable behaviour of many cricket fans during World Cup matches, makes me feel embarrassed &ashamed as an Indian. This petty, insecure & majoritarian approach towards sports which was meant to bring people together, is symbolic of India Modi-RSS have created in last one decade.”
Reacting to this, Danish Kaneria wrote, “Come to my country Pakistan if you are feeling ashamed to be an Indian. India doesn’t need people like you. I am sure many people in India will be happy to sponsor this trip.”
Who is Danish Kaneria?
Danish Kaneria is a former Pakistan right-arm leg spinner who played 61 test matches for the Pakistan team. He was the second Hindu to represent Pakistan in international cricket. For the past few days, he has been in the headlines after alleging that he was a victim of relentless communal taunts from fellow players on and off the field.
Who is Arfa Khanum Sherwani?
Arfa Khanum Sherwani is an Indian journalist and a senior editor of The Wire.
Born on November 1, 1980, in Bulandshahr, UP, she obtained a diploma in journalism from Aligarh Muslim University and completed doctoral studies at Jamia Millia Islamia.
