Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stirred controversy by suggesting that India’s loss in the World Cup final against Australia may be attributed to the fact that the match was played on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Chief Minister made these remarks during a recent interaction, expressing his belief in considering auspicious days according to Hindu traditions.
Sarma, a prominent political figure, remarked, “That day India vs Australia World Cup match happened. We were winning every game. Lost the final. Then I came and saw. What was that day? Why did we lose? We are Hindus and I go according to the day, etc. Then I saw the World Cup final was played on such a day which was also Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary.”
The Chief Minister went on to allege that opposition parties are colluding with those opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to avoid scheduling final matches on days coinciding with the birthdays of Nehru-Gandhi family members to prevent such perceived bad luck.
“The World Cup final was held on Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary, and the country lost. That’s why I want to tell the BCCI that if you have a world cup final game, make a calculation. That day should not be linked to the Gandhi family. Otherwise, the country will lose,” Sarma emphasized.
These statements come amidst a political row ignited by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who insinuated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi brings bad luck. Gandhi’s remarks led to a strong denouncement from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad criticizing the usage of such language for the Prime Minister and demanding an apology.
The BJP, on 22 November, moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his comments. Prasad emphasized the need for an apology, stating, “Our Prime Minister met the players and motivated them. Winning or losing is part of the game. Rahul Gandhi needs to apologize.”
The political sparring has intensified, with both major parties engaging in a war of words over the perceived jinx associated with the Prime Minister. The controversy raises questions about the intersection of politics, superstition, and sports in the country, as leaders grapple with the aftermath of India’s defeat in the World Cup final.
