India, Sept. 17 -- After the Bharatiya Janata Party launched an attack over Shahid Afridi's praise for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Opposition hit back, pointing to the former Pakistan cricket captain's own "hobnobbing with BJP MPs".

During a TV show, Shahid Afridi was seen criticising the Indian government and saying there are some "good ones" though, naming Rahul Gandhi. After a clip of the cricketer's remarks went viral, the BJP attacked the Congress, accusing the party of having an old "yaarana" (friendship) with Pakistan.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju had also weighed in, suggesting Afridi and the people of Pakistan could make Rahul Gandhi their leader.

Reacting to Kiren Rijiju's criticism on the subject, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader...