NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday seized on senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s remarks praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the comments had exposed a contradiction within the Congress party’s stance towards the Prime Minister.Reacting to Tharoor’s observations, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.“Shashi Tharoor exposes Rahul Gandhi. Congress Leader praises PM @narendramodi Ji’s diplomacy. When it Comes to Protecting India’s National Interest PM Modi comes first; When it comes to speaking against India’s National interest Rahul Gandhi leaves everyone behind!” said BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari in a post on X.The BJP’s response came after Tharoor praised PM Modi-Trump meet. “PM Modi made his point clear both in the public and private meetings with the President. It is important to convey the message that in wartime, civilian sailors on commercial ships should not be targets of combat. They are not soldiers, and that is the message Mr. Modi conveyed,” Tharoor said.He went on acknowledged several aspects of PM Modi’s leadership, calling him “powerful orator, one of the best orators the country has seen in Hindi”.“I think we all recognise that he has a tremendous amount of dynamism and energy. He has a vision, whether you agree with that vision or not. He is a powerful orator, one of the best orators the country has seen in Hindi. He reaches out particularly to those who speak that language,” Tharoor had said.He has a very compelling presence on the national stage. Undoubtedly, he has been able to leave his stamp on many aspects of Indian life, society and politics, the economy, particularly the building of the infrastructure is one of Mr Modi’s achievements as long as the highways, ports and airports stand. Though there is still always room for improvement,” he added.PM Modi and US President Donald Trump held their first bilateral meeting in 16 months on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on Wednesday. During the talks, PM Modi highlighted concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating not only near the Strait of Hormuz but across the wider Gulf region. Trump, meanwhile, praised the PM Modi, describing him as a “tough negotiator” and remarking on his strong public presence.