"Shocking, shameful": Tamil Nadu BJP leader slams DMK MP's remark 'we have supported Palestine only'

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 18 (ANI): Terming A Raja's "India has never supported Israel" remarks as shocking and shameful, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party vice president Narayanan Thirupathy on Wednesday said that he is astonished by the statement of the DMK MP and that the war-hit country has been our friend for more than 70 years now.
"It is very sad, shocking and shameful...I am really astonished by the way A Raja has said. Israel has been our friend for more than 70 years now. No doubt we are friendly with Palestine also," Thirupathy said.
The BJP leader was responding to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP A Raja's statement, pointing out that India has always supported Palestine and that supporting the oppressed is the right thing to do.
"India has never supported Israel. We have supported Palestine only. Whichever country is being oppressed, we need to support that country only, that is the right thing to do. That is the policy of non-aligned countries," A Raja said while speaking at an event in Chennai on Tuesday.
This comes amid the Gaza hospital blast, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave.
A spokesperson for the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claimed that 471 people were killed in an explosion and fire at al-Ahli hospital in central Gaza on Tuesday, with another 28 people in critical condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives, saying he was "deeply shocked" by the incident.
Also expressing concern over the mounting civilian casualties in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, those behind such deaths should be "held responsible".Taking to his official handle on X, PM Modi posted, "Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured.
Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible." (ANI)