NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, known for his strong criticism of India, has accused the Narendra Modi government of using the religion card to gain power, while unexpectedly praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

"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?" Afridi said in a chat with Pakistan's Samma TV during a panel discussion on the India-Pakistan match.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla reacted sharply to Afridi's comments, saying that Indian haters often lavish praise on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.

"After Hafiz Saeed, now Shahid Afridi ( Terror apologist & India hater ) praises Rahul Gandhi... Not surprised! Everyone who hates India finds an ally in Rahul Gandhi & Congress From Soros to Shahid …INC = Islamabad National Congress," he wrote on X.

"Cong Pak Yaarana is very old. Art 370 to Surgical strike to clean chit on 26/11 & Pulwama and Pahalgam - Congress echoes Pakistan's narrative always," he added.

Afridi's comments came in the wake of Indian players refusing to shake hands with Pakistan players after the Asia Cup match on Sunday as a mark of respect for the Pahalgam terror attack victims and their families.

"Together, we came here, we took a call and I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave the proper reply," Suryakumar said to a PTI query when asked about the stance taken by his team.

When a Pakistani journalist asked whether the refusal to shake hands with opposition players after the seven-wicket win was "politically motivated", the skipper replied: "I feel few things, few things in life are ahead of sportsman's spirit also. We stand with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this victory to our Armed Forces."