Rahul Gandhi refers to Jaish chief as 'Masood Azhar ji', BJP hits back

The JeM had carried out the recent Pulwama terror attack, in which at least 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were martyred.

Speaking at the rally, Gandhi said as quoted by News 18, "These people with 56 inch chest, you would recall, in their previous government, the current National Security Advisor Ajit Doval went in an aircraft with Masood Azhar ji and handed over Masood Azhar there in Kandhar."

BJP slams Congress chief:

Not waiting for long, BJP hit out at the Congress president stating, "Rahul Gandhi so much respects Masood Azhar who is responsible for the death of 44 Indian paramilitary personnel."

Union Minister Smriti Irani, who had contested against Gandhi in the 2014 General Elections, tweeted, "What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? Their love for terrorists. Please note Rahul ji’s reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to #RahulLovesTerrorists"

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader, Yogi Adityanath, said on Twitter, "..people who fed terrorists with biryani are now asking for proofs of Army's bravery."

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, "Come on “Rahul Gandhi Ji”! Earlier it were the likes of Digvijay Ji who called “Osama Ji” and “Hafiz Saeed Sahab”. Now you are saying “Masood Azhar Ji”. What is happening to Congress Party?"

Congress defends:

Congress leader and spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala claimed Gandhi's reference to the JeM chief as "Masood Azhar ji" was a sarcasm.

Surjewala tweeted, "2 questions to BJP & select Bhakt Media,who deliberately seek to twist the ‘Masood’ sarcasm of Rahulji-: 1 Did NSA Doval not escort & release terrorist Masood Azhar in Kandahar? 2 Did Modiji not invite Pak's rogue ISI to investigate Pathankot terror attack?"

Image Credit: Congress Twitter