Afridi's Praise for Rahul Gandhi Ignites Fresh BJP-Congress War of Words

A seemingly innocuous compliment from former Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi directed at Indian politician Rahul Gandhi has erupted into a full-blown political firestorm, with India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seizing the opportunity to launch a scathing attack on the Congress party.

Afridi, known for his flamboyant cricketing style, recently described Rahul Gandhi as a "positive mindset person" in a video clip that quickly went viral.

This brief remark was all the ammunition the BJP needed to reignite a contentious debate about the Congress party's alleged ties with Pakistan, a narrative often employed by the saffron party to question the opposition's patriotism.

BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia wasted no time in addressing the media, asserting that the "yaarana" (friendship) between the Congress and Pakistan is "very old." He pointedly asked why Pakistani figures consistently praise Rahul Gandhi, drawing a direct link between Afridi's comments and previous instances.

Bhatia referenced a controversial statement by former Pakistani minister Fawad Chaudhary, who not only lauded Rahul Gandhi but also seemingly questioned India's military response following the Pulwama terror attack.

The BJP spokesperson accused the Congress of adopting a "Pakistan first" policy, a grave charge in the politically charged atmosphere of India.

Bhatia's stern message was that the nation is observing this pattern keenly. The timing of these remarks is particularly significant as India prepares for upcoming elections, and such controversies often play a crucial role in shaping public opinion.

This latest episode underscores the deep-seated political rivalries and the strategic use of external comments to fuel internal political battles.

Afridi's praise, intended or not, has inadvertently become a flashpoint, providing the BJP with fresh fodder to critique the Congress and its leadership, further intensifying the already fierce political discourse in India.