Congress calls Khel Ratna name change disrespect to memory of 'martyred Prime Minister'

The Congress party has once again found itself in controversy, this time over renaming of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards after Major Dhyan Chand.

Taking to Twitter, Congress Member of Parliament Anand Sharma said, "Deeply pained at the government's decision to change the name of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award." 

He further said that the Narendra Modi government's decision indicates "a narrow and partisan mindset and disrespects the memory of India's martyred Prime Minister".

At the same time. Sharma also said that India has always "gratefully acknowledged" the contribution of hockey legend Dhyan Chand. 

"The right thing to do is to institute a new dedicated national award to honour his memory," Sharma said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the award will be renamed as 'Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award'.

While many from across the political sphere welcomed the decision, Congress seems to be visible upset with it.

On social media, Congress leaders voiced their displeasure over the matter.

Congress party's National Spokesperson Dr Shama Mohamed took to Twitter to lament that renaming the Khel Ratna award after the great Major Dhyan Chand would not be an issue if even the Narendra Modi stadium was renamed after a sportsman. 

In absence of that, this change (renaming of Khel Ratna award) only reeks of political vindictiveness by a petty government, she said.

• Khel Ratna
• Congress party
• Rajiv Gandhi
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
• Controversy
• Khel Ratna Award
• Anand Sharma
• Congress against Khel Ratna name change