Smriti Irani takes jibe at Rahul Gandhi on Sidhu's Pak visit

Launching a scathing attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday invoked Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's recent visit to Pakistan.

Speaking to the media, Irani said, "Congress chief's silence is understandable, as on one side there is Sidhu who goes and hugs Pakistan Army General, who is speaking against India and on the other hand, it is Mani Shankar Aiyar whose candidature cancellation during Gujarat polls was just an eyewash."

"Congress chief kept mum on Sidhu sahab's trip to Pakistan. Now, what will Congress chief say after Sidhu has returned from Pakistan and Pakistan is speaking against India? Irani asked.

Last month, Sidhu visited Pakistan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Irani's statement comes after Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa on Thursday asked his troops to "avenge the blood of its soldiers being shed on the border."

"Our troops have made great sacrifices to the nation. I laud the people of Kashmir who have stood firm in such testing times. Our nation will not forget our troops who laid down their lives for this nation. We will avenge the blood of our soldiers being shed on the border," General Bajwa said while addressing the Defence Day function in Pakistan. He added that Pakistan had learned a lot from the 1965 and 1971 wars and developed its defence system.

General Bajwa's latest statement is in contradiction with his own government's diplomatic position. Speaking at the same event, Imran Khan reiterated his goal of achieving peace and said that the country would not fight anyone else's war and his government's main aim is to work for the welfare of the people.