BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha has often criticised his own party on multiple issues. (Express Photo/Prem Nath Pandey) BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha has often criticised his own party on multiple issues. (Express Photo/Prem Nath Pandey)

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha took many by surprise on Saturday after he wished Congress a long life while congratulating its new president Rahul Gandhi. Stepping away from the party line, the Patna MP said Gandhi was the most deserving leader to be the Congress chief.

“Today is also the rising day of the most natural & deserving Rahul Gandhi @OfficeOfRG as President of the oldest & respected party of India, the INC. Let’s all also congratulate him in true national spirit. In the larger interest of democracy, I also wish Long live INC. Jai Hind!” he wrote on Twitter.

On Sunday, Gandhi took to Twitter to thank Sinha for his wishes. “Thank you for your kind words Shatrughan Sinha ji,” Gandhi wrote.

Sinha, 72, has been in the news for repeatedly attacking the BJP on various issues — one of them being PM Modi’s claim that Pakistan had a hand in the Gujarat elections.

“Hon’ble Sir! Just to win elections anyhow, and that too at the fag end of the process, is it a must to come up with & endorse new, unsubstantiated & unbelievable stories everyday against political opponents? Now linking them to Pak High Commissioner & Generals?! Incredible! Sir! Instead of new twists & turns, stories & cover ups, let’s go straight to the promises that we made, regarding housing, development, employment of youth, health, “Vikas model”. Lets stop communalising the atmosphere & go back to healthy politics & healthy elections. Jai Hind!” he wrote on Twitter.

Another BJP leader to congratulate Rahul on his elevation was MoS Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel. “On his election as the President of the Indian National Congress, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to @OfficeOfRG,” Goel tweeted.

BJP leaders in the past have not minced words when it came to criticising the Congress leadership. Many leaders, including PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, have alleged that the Gandhi family believed in strengthening their political dynasty. The PM, however, had congratulated the Congress president on his election. “I congratulate Rahul Ji on his election as Congress President. My best wishes for a fruitful tenure,” he wrote on Twitter.

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