Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma unpatriotic for not marrying in Lord Ram's land: BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya

A BJP legislator in Madhya Pradesh created a storm on Tuesday by terming Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma 'unpatriotic' for getting married abroad.

During the launch of a government scheme in Guna, 214 kilometres north of Bhopal, local MLA Pannalal Shakya said the Indian cricket team captain didn't deserve to be called a youth icon because he got married in Italy.

The cricketer and Bollywood actress got married in Tuscany earlier this month, with pictures and videos of the beautiful celebrations flooding social media. It was a closely guarded affair, with only a handful of guests being invited.

"They earned money and fame in India but they didn’t find any appropriate place to marry on the land where Lord Ram got married,” said Shakya. “They are unpatriotic for getting married abroad.”

Virat and Anushka are on their honeymoon currently. While Virat will join the Indian team in preparing for the upcoming South Africa tour once he returns, Anushka will join Shah Rukh Khan in completing Anand L Rai's untitled film.

Later, Shakya confirmed to The Hindustan Times that the comments were indeed his.