'Rahul Gandhi has got a new fanboy'; BJP responds to former Pak cricketer Shahid Afridi's statement

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come down heavily on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi spoke on a television show praising the Congress leader and criticising the Indian government. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that those hating India are now siding with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party.

'After Hafiz Saeed, now anti-India Shahid Afridi has praised Rahul Gandhi. There is nothing surprising in this. All those who hate India are teaming up with the Congress and Rahul Gandhi,' Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on his social media page.

'From Soros to Shahid, INC now means Islamabad National Congress. The friendship between Congress and Pakistan is very old. From opposing the abrogation of Article 370 to giving Pakistan a clean chit for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Pulwama, and Pahalgam incidents, the party has always echoed Pakistan’s narrative,' he added.

BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari also lashed out at Rahul Gandhi, saying he had found a "new fanboy" in Afridi. “When India’s enemies praise Congress, people must realise that Congress is standing against India,” he said.

Speaking in a TV discussion, Shahid Afridi said, "This government in India always stays in power by using the Hindu-Muslim card. This is a very negative mindset. It will continue as long as they remain in power. Of course, there are some good people among them. For example, Rahul Gandhi has a very positive outlook and believes in dialogue." It was these remarks that triggered sharp criticism from the BJP.