Pak not important, says Rahul; BJP retorts

New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi has done it again. His rather off the cuff remark about giving undue importance to Pakistan has raised some eyebrows. And the opposition BJP has hit back saying he has a lot to learn.

"I don't think we should be compared to Pakistan. I feel we give too much time in our mind to Pakistan. I don't think Pakistan is half as important as we make it. We are at different level now, we are becoming a serious international player. Pakistan is a small piece of our worldview, there are issues coming out of Pakistan that have to be managed and they will be managed," Rahul said in Shimla.

At a time when Pakistan occupies the most prominent space in India's foreign policy, this statement by  Rahul Gandhi has raised a few eyebrows, even within his own party. Many say he represents a generational change with his thinking in a country that is almost obsessed about Pakistan.

But it gave new ammunition to the BJP.

"Rahul Gandhi needs to learn a lot. If Pakistan was a small issue, then PM ko Sharm-el-sheikh mein sharam kyun udhani padi," BJP spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad said.

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There was no official comment from the Congress, except that Rahul Gandhi's statements are not a change in stand. The party's younger leaders, however, were more outspoken.

"He is looking at the future," said NSUI president Hibi Eden.

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It's not the first time that Rahul Gandhi's statements have caused a flutter. And it's not an easy job for the party spokespersons who will later have to face questions.