 "Opposition leaders take on BJP, come out in Sania Mirza's support")
Various political leaders, including Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Congress leader Manish Tewari have come out in support of Sania Mirza as the brand ambassador of Telangana, and criticized the BJP and its leaders for opposing her appointment.
Congress leader Manish Tewari told ANI, "It is extremely unfortunate and bizarre that such illogical arguments are being trotted around. Not only is the person in question a very acclaimed player but as an individual you have the right to marry someone of your choice. That doesnot detract from your achievements or from your nationality."
BSP chief Mayawati also said, "She is a citizen of our country and we should welcome Telangana's move to make her the brand ambassador. We should not involve politics in everything."
CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury also came out in support of the tennis player.
He said, "Sania Mirza is an Indian citizen and plays for India. She has got many trophies for India. It is not right to say this about her."
Sania Mirza was declared the ambassador of the newly formed state of Telangana recently, but Telangana BJP leader K Laxman opposed her appointment, saying that she was Pakistan's daughter-in-law.