Mumbai: A fresh political storm has erupted around Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after the inclusion of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman in the team triggered outrage among several right-wing groups. The controversy escalated sharply after a Hindu Mahasabha leader issued an inflammatory statement that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Speaking to the media in Arga, Hindu Mahasabha leader Meera Rathore launched a direct verbal attack on Shah Rukh Khan, accusing him of insensitivity amid reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. In an explosive remark, Rathore announced a cash reward for violence against the actor, alleging that his association with a Bangladeshi player amounted to betrayal.
Rathore claimed that Hindus in Bangladesh were being targeted and killed, and accused Khan of ignoring their suffering. She went on to justify her aggressive language by linking it to recent incidents of mob violence across the border, including the killing of Hindu individuals. Her statement has intensified political pressure on Khan and the KKR management.
The row gained momentum after reports emerged of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh in late December, including the lynching and burning of a Hindu garment worker. These developments fueled anger among certain groups in India, who began targeting Shah Rukh Khan and his IPL franchise for having a Bangladeshi national in the squad.
However, it is notable that Mustafizur Rahman was picked by KKR during the IPL 2026 auction on December 16, days before the reported escalation of violence in Bangladesh. Despite this timeline, critics have continued to demand Rahman’s removal from the team.
Meera Rathore is not alone in targeting Shah Rukh Khan. Earlier, religious leader Devkinandan Thakur and BJP leader Sangeet Som had also publicly criticised the actor, urging him to distance himself from the Bangladeshi cricketer.
