Guwahati, Sept. 16 -- Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has stirred a political debate after praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while sharply criticising the BJP-led central government for allegedly using religion as a political tool.

Speaking on Pakistan's Samma TV during a panel discussion on the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, Afridi said, "This government in India always plays the religion and Muslim-Hindu card to stay in power. This is a very bad mindset. Rahul Gandhi has a very positive mindset. He believes in dialogue. Is one Israel not enough that you are trying to become another?"

His remarks drew immediate reactions from the BJP. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala alleged that those who "hate India" find support in R...