Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar is
currently in the middle of a political furore over his remarks criticizing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi for standing with Israel in their war against the
terrorist organisation Hamas.
Reacting to the veteran NCP leader’s alleged remarks
regarding Bharat’s position on the Israel-Palestine issue, Assam Chief Minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked, “I think Sharad Pawar will send Supriya (Sule) to
Gaza to fight for Hamas.”
Earlier, expressing solidarity with Israel over the
rocket strikes launched by Hamas, PM Modi said on October 7 that Bharat’s
thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.
“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in
Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their
families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” PM Modi
posted on X.
A heated political exchange emerged surrounding the
Israel-Hamas war, with leaders from various parties expressing contrasting
views, on Wednesday.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his dismay at
Pawar’s remarks, emphasising the need to condemn terrorism worldwide. He pointed
out that Pawar had held prominent positions in the government during critical
security incidents.
“It is very disturbing when a senior leader like
Sharad Pawar makes preposterous statements on Bharat’s stand on a terror attack
in Israel. The menace of terrorism has to be condemned in all forms, in any
part of the world. It is a pity that a person who has been Bharat’s Defence Minister
as well as a Chief Minister many times has such a casual view of issues
relating to terror,” he posted on X.
“Pawar ji was a part of the same Government that shed
tears on the Batla House encounter and slept while there were terror attacks on
Indian soil. This rotten mindset has to stop. I hope Pawar ji at least now,
thinks of the nation first,” he said further.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacting
to Pawar’s remarks commented, “Bharat has never changed its position on the
Israel-Palestine dispute. However, at the same time, India has been
consistently against and has always strongly opposed terrorism in any form and
against anyone.”
Fadnavis continued, “When the entire world has
condemned the killing of innocent people in Israel and Bharat did the same,
Shri Sharad Pawar ji should also speak in the same language against terrorism.”
Earlier, addressing a gathering of party workers in
Mumbai, the NCP chief said while all former Prime Ministers of Bharat have
taken a firm stand supporting Palestine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported
Israel in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
ANI
