Opposition takes dig at PM Modi after Imran Khan sees better chance of peace if BJP returns to power

Opposition takes dig at PM Modi

"Pak has officially allied with Modi! ‘A vote for Modi is a vote for Pakistan’, says Pak PM Imran Khan" Congress leader Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

In a similar tune, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Why Pakistan wants Modiji to win? Modiji should explain how close relationship he has with Pakistan. Everyone should know that celebrations will take place in Pakistan if Modiji wins."

"How soon before we see a “Chowkidar Imran Khan” twitter handle?" National Conference leader Omar Abdullah took a dig at BJP's "chowkidar campaign".

Taking dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's followers, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti tweeted, "Bhakts scratching their heads & at wit ends wondering if they should praise Imran Khan or not. "

"Mufti Sb too like Pak PM believed that Modi a BJP PM backed by right wing could carry forward process of dialogue initiated by Vajpayee ji . Cong couldn’t do so as it feared backlash from BJP & other right wing parties . But Modi despite a huge mandate frittered away that chance," she added.

Imran Khan on Congress

According to the media reports here, the cricketer-turned-politician further said if the Congress comes to power at the Centre then it might not start a dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir as it will be scared of the opposition.

"Perhaps if the BJP - a right-wing party - wins, some kind of settlement in Kashmir could be reached," Khan was quoted as saying.

Khan further said that he seeks a meaningful dialogue on Kashmir issue with the BJP if it comes to power despite the fact that Muslims were facing continuous attack under Modi rule.

Muslim-ness is under attack, said Khan and added that he had never expected to witness something like this. Citing his Indian Muslim friends he said they were happy about their situation in India but they are now worried due to the rise of extreme Hindu Nationalism.

Drawing a parallel between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Modi he said that their campaign and rallies were based on "fear and nationalist feeling".

Speaking on the BJP manifesto which talked about removing Article 370 and 35A from Jammu and Kashmir Khan called it a major concern but said that it might be a poll stunt.

Strenuous relationship between India and Pakistan

The two countries are having a bitter relationship since Feb 14 Pulwama terror attack, which was carried out by Pakistan-based militant organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The attack had left at least 40 Indian paramilitary personnel martyred.

As a response to the attack, the Indian Air Force had carried out an airstrike across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Following the airstrike, the two countries were engaged in a dogfight when India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan. Later he was released.