Former BJP MLA Sangeet Som sparked controversy after calling Shah Rukh Khan a “gaddar” following Kolkata Knight Riders signing Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.5 crore at the IPL 2026 auction.
Sangeet Som linked the signing to alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office in August 2025. He claimed such players should not be allowed to enter India and issued a public threat that quickly drew attention.
As the video circulated online, social media users questioned the selective use of nationalism to target Muslim celebrities like SRK. Many pointed out that systemic decisions taken by party backed institutions were being ignored.
Users highlighted that the IPL auction process is overseen by BCCI president Jay Shah, son of Home Minister Amit Shah. They noted that Bangladeshi players were allowed to participate without restrictions under BCCI rules.
Several franchises bid aggressively for Mustafizur Rahman before KKR secured him. This showed that the signing was a routine business decision rather than a political or ideological statement.
Many questioned why the BCCI did not bar Bangladeshi players if public sentiment was strongly against Bangladesh. Critics argued that politicians like Sangeet Som avoided these questions and instead directed anger at SRK through a religious lens.
Similar accusations of hypocrisy were raised after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and was blamed on Pakistan backed militants. Despite national outrage, India went on to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup in September 2025.
The match was cleared by the BCCI and played under the captaincy of Surya Kumar Yadav, who later dedicated the victory to the victims. Social media users cited this example while discussing the current outrage.
Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur also targeted SRK, prompting online responses pointing to PM Modi sheltering former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. BJP aligned leaders remained silent on diplomatic actions but criticised SRK over franchise decisions.
Amid political and religious backlash, users stressed that SRK operates strictly within BCCI regulations. Critics argued that accountability should rest equally with those who frame the rules governing the IPL.
#BJP leader Sangeet Som calls #ShahRukhKhan Gaddar for taking #Bangladeshi player in #KKR team
Says he won’t be able to step out of India pic.twitter.com/1aboSdTCCS
— $@M (@SAMTHEBESTEST_) January 1, 2026
