City girl Sania Mirza’s decision to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik came under criticism by the Shiv Sena on Friday, which questioned how can the tennis sensation be a ‘true Indian’ if her heart beats for a Pakistani.
The flak came through an editorial in the party’s mouthpiece Saamna, which said Sania’s 'palanquin' will start from India and culminate in Pakistan.
The editorial termed the neighbour as a rival country, whether in the battlefield or in the sports arena. The editorial was acerbic in its comment that the tennis player’s nikaah will be conducted in Hyderabad and the daawat-e-walima will be held in Pakistan."
The editorial also questioned the Pakistan government granting a prompt visa to Sania and her family, while many Indians, including top film stars, face a harrowing time securing a Pakistani visa. "It appeared as if Pakistan was waiting for the Sania-Shoaib marriage!" it said.
The editorial said if Sania was so keen to play for India, she should have selected some Indian boy for marriage. "Why so? After going to her in-laws, how can she continue to play for her father's side? Marrying in Pakistan, becoming a citizen of that country and then merely playing tennis for India....." the editorial pointed out.
"This is ridiculous - marrying a Pakistani, but coming to India for name, fame, money and honours - this will not be tolerated," the editorial warned. "Sania Mirza, if your heart was truly Indian, it would not have beaten for a Pakistani," it concluded.