"Dhoni is a true patriot, not like other celebrities," says Giriraj Singh lauding Dhoni's wicketkeeping gloves which bore resemblance to Indian para-special forces insignia

Union minister Giriraj Singh on Friday lavished praise on Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni who is in the eye of a controversy for donning wicket-keeping gloves with a dagger logo embossed which resembled the insignia of the Para-special armed forces.

"Dhoni is not just a cricketer. He is a true rashtrabhakt (patriot). He is not like other celebrities whose love for their country remains inconsistent. He is a patriot and committed to the glory of his country," said Singh, a BJP leader, to reporters in Patna when asked about the International Cricket Council (ICC) raising objections to Dhoni having worn the gloves in the one-day international against South Africa at the World Cup in England earlier this week.

BCCI Falls In With ICC, Gives Up On MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan Badge' Glove

The ICC had written a letter to the BCCI requesting that Dhoni be asked to remove the gloves since the rules forbade "display of messages which relate to political, religious or racial issues".

However, BCCI's Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai has insisted that "it is not the paramilitary regimental dagger that is embossed in his gloves. So Dhoni is not in breach of regulations"

In conclusion to the issue, the BCCI has decided to not fight the ICC on MS Dhoni's dagger insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves after the international cricket body stringently denied permission.

Here's Union Minister Smriti Irani's Tribute Amid The ICC Vs MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan Badge' Row

Earlier today Union Minister Smriti Irani expressed her Tribute Amid The ICC Vs MS Dhoni's 'Balidaan Badge' Row. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, she came out in support of MS Dhoni and the Indian Army's Special Forces by posting a picture of the symbol of the Para Commandos Special Forces.

Here is the post: 

Incidentally, MS Dhoni is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Para-Air troops on the Indian Army and belongs to the same regiment as the Para Special forces whose badge he is seen sporting. 

(With Inputs from PTI)