India, Sept. 16 -- Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on a TV show, while criticising India's BJP-led government, and this has triggered a reaction from the ruling party.

Speaking with Pakistan's Samma TV during a discussion on the recent India-Pakistan match as part of the Asia Cup, Shahid Afridi accused the BJP-led central government of using religion for politics.

"This government (In India) always plays the religion and Muslim-Hindu card to stay in power. This is a very bad mindset. And this will stay till they are the rulers. They have some good ones too. For instance, Rahul Gandhi has a very positive mindset. He believes in dialogue, taking people along" Afridi said, speaking in ...