Shahid Afridi’s ‘Positive Mindset’ Remark on Rahul Triggers Political Crossfire

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched an attack on the Congress after former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi praised Rahul Gandhi during a TV show, calling him one of the “good ones” in Indian politics. BJP leaders accused the Congress of having an old “yaarana” (friendship) with Pakistan, with Union minister Kiren Rijiju quipping that Afridi and Pakistan could make Rahul Gandhi their leader.

The Opposition, however, countered by highlighting Afridi’s own recent interactions with BJP leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi asked Rijiju to “sit this one out,” pointing to Afridi’s meetings with BJP MPs in Dubai. Congress leaders Supriya Shrinate and Abhishek Manu Singhvi also shared photos of Afridi with Union minister Anurag Thakur, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy.

Afridi, reacting after India’s emphatic win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, criticised the Indian government’s “religion card politics” while praising Gandhi for his “positive mindset.” The remarks sparked sharp backlash from BJP leaders, who accused Congress of aligning with Pakistan.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 people, and India’s subsequent seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup.