The BJP has launched a fresh attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's position on the treatment of civilian seafarers in conflict zones.
Speaking about PM Modi's recent engagement with US President Donald Trump and developments in West Asia, Tharoor said that Modi was right to argue that civilian sailors involved in commercial shipping should not be treated as combatants during armed conflicts.
Tharoor's remarks come in stark contrast to Congress leadership that sought to attack the Modi government over the deaths of Indian sailors in the conflict-hit West Asia region and questioning the Prime Minister's response to the issue.
BJP leaders quickly seized upon Tharoor's remarks to target Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership, with BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla saying that Tharoor's comments were a 'birthday gift' to Rahul Gandhi.
Tharoor's past praise of Modi was also highlighted by BJP leaders, with Poonawalla saying 'Hope Rahul Gandhi doesn't sack him!'
