Star boxer M C Mary Kom on Thursday denied supporting Congress leader Ajay Maken's candidature in the forthcoming general elections, saying her comments about the former Sports Minister were "not political at all".
Maken's election campaign comprised radio jingles and video clips of various sportspersons, including Mary Kom narrating the work done by him as the sports minister.
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday shot a letter to Mary Kom, who is a National Icon of ECI, asking her "to not associate with any political person or have any affiliation with political party in future".
Director General ECI Akshay Rout said that Mary Kom posted a Youtube video backing Maken, who is contesting from New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, and extended support on radio stations as well.
The Olympic bronze medallist, in her reply, said her intention was not at all political, but as a person, in appreciating Maken's work as minister.
"I have no political relationship with Ajay Maken, nor with any of the political parties of India. My intention on the said comment was not at all political, but as a person, in appreciating him for all his deeds and performance when he was the Union Sports Minister," she said in a statement.
"It is sad to know that my comment has been considered as I am politically involved and it has been made a political issue and have even been said that I have posted a video on youtube supporting congress candidate, which is baseless," it added.