‘Waiting for Pakistan’s permission’: BJP on Congress not congratulating Indian team for Asia Cup victory

BJP leader Amit Malviya on Monday took a jibe at the Congress for not congratulating the Indian team for its Asia Cup victory, saying the grand old party is waiting for “permission from Pakistan”.

The Congress was among the Opposition parties that had opposed the match against Pakistan in view of the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. They had argued that if blood and water cannot flow together, then cricket should also not be played with Pakistan.

Advertisement

“It seems India’s stunning win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final has left Rahul Gandhi and the entire Congress in a comatose state,” BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya said on X.

Malviya further stated, “Just like after Operation Sindoor, when they couldn’t bring themselves to congratulate the Indian Army for its stupendous strikes, they now appear to be waiting for permission from Mohsin Naqvi and their other handlers in Pakistan before joining the nation in celebrating the Indian cricket team’s success.”

During Operation Sindoor, the Congress had extended its support to the government during an all-party meeting after India’s Operation Sindoor strikes on Pakistan.

However, Malviya asserted that by not congratulating the Indian side for its victory against Pakistan, the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, have sided with Pakistan.

“Once again, Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress find themselves on the same side of the divide,” Malviya added.

Earlier in the day, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also targeted the Congress for not congratulating the Indian team for its victory against Pakistan.

“Congress is against India’s national interest! On one hand, Rahul Gandhi has not yet congratulated the Indian cricket team on thrashing Pakistan on the sports battlefield! On the other hand, when Pakistan is completely cornered, you have Congress leaders asking for sportsman spirit against Pakistan!” Bhandari said, adding, “Why does Congress always support Pakistan over India?”

“In Operation Sindoor, Congress stood with Pakistan. In Operation Tilak, Congress stands with Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the best friend of Asim Munir!” he added.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to win its 9th Asia Cup title.