Sanjay Raut Calls All-Party Delegation a ‘Wedding Procession,’ Sharad Pawar Offers Counsel. Pawar Advocates for Rising Above Party Politics on International Issues; Delegation to Advocate for India's Position.
Maharashtra: In the current political climate, the Indian government has decided to send an all-party delegation to 32 countries to firmly present India's strength and stance internationally following the Pakistan-sponsored Pulwama attack. This delegation comprises parliamentarians, former ministers, and ambassadors from various political parties, aiming to explain India's perspective and its campaign against terrorism globally. However, this move has drawn sharp criticism from Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut, causing a stir in political circles.
Sanjay Raut Labels Delegation a ‘Wedding Procession’
Questioning the decision, Raut questioned the necessity of sending this "baraat" (wedding procession). He specifically questioned the rationale behind Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's son, Shrikant Shinde, representing India abroad. Accusing the central government of playing political games, Raut appealed to other Indian leaders to boycott the delegation, asserting that the move is solely for political gain.
Sharad Pawar Advises Sanjay Raut
Responding to Raut's criticism, NCP president Sharad Pawar stated that local politics shouldn't be intertwined with international issues. Pawar emphasized the need for political parties to unite and transcend party lines when national interests are at stake. He cited the example of an all-party delegation led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee that visited the United Nations during P.V. Narasimha Rao's premiership, a delegation in which he himself participated.
Pawar stated, "In international matters, we should consider the nation's interest, not party politics. The central government has formed eight to nine delegations for different countries, which will present India's case."
While acknowledging Raut's right to express his views, Pawar pointed out that Priyanka Chaturvedi, from Raut's own party, is also part of the delegation. He therefore stressed that local politics should not be mixed with international affairs in this manner.
Shrikant Shinde and Other Delegation Members
A delegation led by Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and a three-time Member of Parliament, will visit the UAE, Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone. This team includes Bansuri Swaraj (BJP), E.T. Mohammed Basheer (IUML), Atul Garg (BJP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), former minister S.S. Ahluwalia, and former diplomat Sujan Chinoy.
Furthermore, four other delegations, led by Supriya Sule, Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Shashi Tharoor, will undertake overseas trips between May 23rd and 25th. Three separate delegations, led by Shrikant Shinde, Kanimozhi, and Sanjay Jha, will be abroad from May 21st to 23rd.
