Laxman draws flak from across the political spectrum over statement on Sania Mirza

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. K. Laxman, is now making efforts to control damage caused by his statement on Sania Mirza that she was a daughter in law of Pakistan and could not be the brand ambassador of Telengana State.

He has now explained that his statement was misunderstood, the issue has sparked a major debate and many leaders have criticized the statement made by K Laxman,

Majority of leaders have come out in support of Sania Mirza saying that she is an Indian beyond doubt and is a national pride who has not only contributed to women's tennis in the country but has also won many accolades and rewards to put India on the global women's tennis circuit.

Social activist Kiran Bedi vociferously supported Sania Mirza by saying that people making such statements are those involved in small talks and have a narrow mindset.

She added that till the time such people don't change their thought process they will keep on saying such things.

Bedi also accused them of wasting the valuable time of media and themselves. She said that Sania Mirza is a pride of both India and Pakistan. And we must be proud of the fact that we have given a bride to Pakistan who has achieved a great deal in International tennis.

BJP leader Prakash Javadekar also praised Sania by calling her pride of the nation and supported the TRS's decision of making her the brand ambassador.

Prominent Leaders M. S. Gill also supported the decision taken by Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and infact suggest other states to encourage sportsmen to make ambassador of their respective states.

TRS leader Keshav Rao said that he has no opposition in this matter and he does not believe in differentiating between religions.

TRS MP K.C. Rao's daughter K Kavitha shunned the issue entirely terming it as an issue blown out of proportion. Congress Leader Rajiv Shukla said that Sania Mirza is definitely an Indian and it is the prerogative of the state govt. to decide who its ambassador should be.

CPI-M leader Brinda Karat strongly condemned the statement made by K Laxman and said; "Only a perverted and twisted mind can make such a statement".

She also urged that such comments should be dismissed outright.

"Sania Mirza is a national player who has represented India in international tournaments, she in a national ambassador. All these things are being caused by people wanting to divide the population on communal line and are influenced by RSS-Hindutva ideology," said Karat.

Earlier today, Laxman called Sania Mirza the daughter-in-law of Pakistan while questioning the Telangana Government of her appointment as the state's brand ambassador.