Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore on Thursday triggered a controversy after saying that India would stand with Pakistan if a war broke out between the neighbouring country and the United States, citing their geographical proximity.
"We all need to understand this. Look, when it comes to India, I say that if there is a war breaks out between America and Pakistan today, we are with Pakistan because it is our neighbour," Rathore said while speaking at a public event.
He added, "But when it comes to an issue among ourselves, we stand with our India. Right? That is what we need to understand."
His remarks drew sharp criticism from Congress leaders and other political figures, who questioned his position on Pakistan.
Congress national spokesperson Shama Muhammed termed the remarks anti-national and questioned what action the BJP would take against its Rajasthan chief.
"The BJP’s love for the terrorist nation Pakistan, which kills our soldiers and our people, has come on display once again. Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore says he is with Pakistan if the US and Pakistan go to war," Shama said.
"Are Narendra Modi and Amit Shah also with Pakistan? If not, let us know what action is being taken against this anti-national," she added.
Congress national coordinator Sandeep Gupta alleged that Rathore’s remarks had exposed the BJP’s affinity for Pakistan, which he described as a "terrorist country".
"'If a war breaks out between America and Pakistan, we are with Pakistan, says Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore. Once again, the BJP's love for the terrorist country Pakistan has come out openly. BJP loves Pakistan!," he wrote on X.
AAP leaders also shared Rathore’s remarks on social media. AAP youth wing state president Ramesh Matiala, who is associated with the party's Delhi unit, and AAP leader Vinay Mahabal Mishra shared the video of his speech without adding any comments.
AAP Uttar Pradesh vice-president Ram Gupta alleged that the remarks exposed what he described as a shared ideological affinity between the BJP and Pakistan.
"Does anyone still have any doubts? The truth is, both the BJP and Pakistan share the same DNA, as Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore is saying, 'If there's a war between America and Pakistan... we're with Pakistan,'" Gupta wrote on X.
Several other social media users also criticised the Rajasthan BJP chief over his remarks, particularly his assertion that India would side with Pakistan in the event of a conflict between Islamabad and Washington.
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