‘If US and Pakistan go to war, we’re with Pakistan’: BJP chief’s comment sparks controversy

Jaipur: Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore has drawn criticism after saying India would support Pakistan if it went to war with the United States, citing Pakistan’s geographical proximity to India. His comments, made at a public event on Thursday, prompted Congress leaders and other political figures to question his position on the neighbouring country.

Speaking at the event, Rathore said India should stand by Pakistan in a conflict with the US because the two countries are neighbours. He then distinguished this from disputes within India, saying the country should stand united when dealing with its internal issues.

“We all need to understand this. Look, when it comes to India, I say that if there is a war breaks out between America and Pakistan today, we are with Pakistan because it is our neighbour,” Rathore said.

He added, “But when it comes to an issue among ourselves, we stand with our India. Right? That is what we need to understand.”

The remarks quickly became a subject of political debate, with opposition leaders questioning the BJP state chief’s statement.

Congress national spokesperson Shama Muhammed criticised Rathore and asked whether the BJP leadership agreed with his position. She also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to clarify their stance.

“The BJP’s love for the terrorist nation Pakistan, which kills our soldiers and our people, has come on display once again. Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore says he is with Pakistan if the US and Pakistan go to war,” Shama said.

“Are Narendra Modi and Amit Shah also with Pakistan? If not, let us know what action is being taken against this anti-national,” she added.

Congress national coordinator Sandeep Gupta also criticised the remarks in a post on X, accusing the BJP of showing support for Pakistan.

Several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders also shared Rathore’s speech on social media. AAP youth wing state president Ramesh Matiala and party leader Vinay Mahabal Mishra posted the video without adding comments.

AAP Uttar Pradesh vice-president Ram Gupta, however, criticised Rathore’s statement and alleged an ideological similarity between the BJP and Pakistan.

“Does anyone still have any doubts? The truth is, both the BJP and Pakistan share the same DNA, as Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore is saying, ‘If there’s a war between America and Pakistan… we’re with Pakistan,’” Gupta wrote on X.

The comments also drew criticism from other social media users, many of whom questioned Rathore’s suggestion that India should side with Pakistan in a potential conflict between Islamabad and Washington.