Shahid Afridi’s commendation of Rahul Gandhi as having a “positive mindset” and favouring dialogue has triggered sharp criticisms from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which accused Graham of harbouring loyalties with Pakistan. The opposition responded by citing evidence that Afridi had in the past socialised with BJP MPs, arguing that the BJP’s line of attack is inconsistent.
Afridi, speaking on a Pakistani TV panel discussing the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match and India’s refusal to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, criticised the government for using communal divisions to retain power. He observed: “Rahul Gandhi has a very positive mindset. He believes in dialogue, taking people along.” He added: “Is one Israel not enough that you are trying to become another?”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called Gandhi “the darling of Pakistan,” suggesting that Afridi and people in Pakistan could select him as their leader. BJP leaders including Shehzad Poonawalla and Amit Malviya also weighed in, accusing Congress of long-standing “yaarana” with Pakistan.
Congress pushed back forcefully. Supriya Shrinate posted a photograph showing Afridi sitting with BJP MP Anurag Thakur at a match and questioned why the BJP raises doubt only when Congress is involved. Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena remarked that Afridi had been “hobnobbing with BJP MPs just a few months ago,” asking BJP leaders to “sit this one out.” Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticised Afridi’s motivations, claiming his criticism stems from recent failures of Pakistan-side cricketers.
The wider backdrop involves a contentious moment in the Asia Cup where India won by seven wickets against Pakistan. That match was preceded by India’s refusal of the customary handshake with the opposing team during the toss, a move that drew criticism abroad and inflamed domestic political tension. This moment follows the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed, a fact cited by critics who see India’s gesture as symbolic support for victims.
BJP’s criticism leans heavily on the idea that endorsement from figures like Afridi undermines Gandhi’s patriotic credentials, an accusation Congress rejects by pointing to BJP figures’ own visible associations with Afridi or Pakistan-linked events. Debate has centred on whether such remarks should be judged by political loyalty or by promoting dialogue even with adversaries, especially in the context of India-Pakistan tensions.
Political analysts note that this episode illustrates a sharp intensification of symbolic politics, especially around high-visibility sporting events. The use of statements by foreign figures, pictures of personal interactions, and questions of national loyalty are increasingly leveraged in political mobilisation. Some advisors to Congress believe that this type of attack may play well with the BJP’s voter base, but could alienate those who want cross-border diplomacy or fair treatment of criticisms.
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