A sharp fight of words has broken out between India's ruling party, the BJP, and Pakistan over the recent flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. After Prime Minister Modi raised the saffron flag, Pakistan quickly released an official statement. In their remarks, they strongly criticized the event, claiming it was an effort to wipe out Muslim history and showed that religious minorities in India are facing pressure. This move by Pakistan instantly created anger among Indian political leaders.

The BJP immediately hit back with very strong words. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla attacked Pakistan's statement, saying that Pakistan has no right to speak about the rights of minorities. He compared Pakistan lecturing India on minority rights to "Osama bin Laden preaching about world peace." Poonawalla stressed that Pakistan has a terrible record of treating its own minorities badly, including Hindus, Sikhs, Shias, and others. He also noted that Pakistan chose the day of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to make its comments.

Before the BJP, the Indian government's External Affairs Ministry also dismissed Pakistan's claims. A spokesperson for the Ministry said that Pakistan's words should be rejected completely. They pointed out that a country with such a poor history of treating its own minorities should look at its own problems first, instead of offering advice to others. This political spat shows how sensitive the Ram Temple issue remains in the tense relationship between the two neighbouring nations.