Opposing his party’s larger stand on the deportation of Rohingyas, BJP MP Varun Gandhi, in an article for Hindi daily Navbharat Times wrote that India must consider giving asylum to the Rohingyas after a proper vetting process of each refugee.

His statement drew the ire of the government, with MoS Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir criticising Gandhi, saying those who have national interest in mind should not make such statements.

"Jo desh ke hith mein sochenga woh is tarah ke bayan nahi dega (Anyone who has the national interest in mind, wouldn't make such statements)," Ahir told the media.