Sharad Pawar said in Mumbai that political differences should not extend to issues concerning the country’s dignity and foreign policy, stating that national interest must remain above partisan politics.
The president of the Nationalist Congress Party said that although his political ideology differs from that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it should be acknowledged that, as Prime Minister, Modi has been actively working to uphold India’s standing on the international stage.
Pawar made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a felicitation ceremony for former state and district office-bearers organised by the Laxmanrao Gutte Rural Development Foundation in Pune.
During his address, Pawar said that whenever an opportunity arises for collective efforts in the national interest, political parties and leaders should come together with a shared objective. He said political ideologies may differ, but unity is necessary on issues such as national dignity and foreign policy.
Pawar praised Modi’s international engagement and efforts to strengthen India’s image globally, saying the Prime Minister has played an important role in maintaining the country’s reputation on global platforms.
He said differing political opinions are natural in a democracy, but political disagreements should be set aside in matters linked to national interest. According to Pawar, the country’s image and dignity are above partisan politics.
Pawar said disagreement and debate are essential in a democracy, but all political stakeholders should stand together when it comes to the country’s prestige and interests. He added that while political parties may have different objectives, preserving the nation’s dignity is a collective responsibility and political competition should be set aside on such matters.
During his speech, Pawar also referred to experiences involving India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Pawar said that in 1958, at the age of 18, he moved from Baramati to Pune because there was no college in his town at the time. He said he began his political journey through a youth movement and gradually advanced in organisational politics.
Recalling a meeting with Nehru at Teen Murti Bhavan, Pawar said he had prepared several questions related to farmers and youth but forgot to ask them because of Nehru’s influential personality.
Pawar also shared an account involving Indira Gandhi during an official visit to the Soviet Union, saying she had taken a firm position regarding the dignity accorded to India’s Prime Minister. According to Pawar, Gandhi had said that the Prime Minister of a large democracy such as India must be treated with due respect and that such respect should not be disregarded under any circumstances.
Pawar said this was not the first time he had praised Modi’s working style. Referring to remarks made in 2022 at an event in Mumbai, he said Modi demonstrated decisiveness and determination in governance and emphasised taking initiatives to completion.
Pawar reiterated that while his political thinking and ideology differ from Modi’s, a shared approach is necessary on matters concerning national dignity and foreign policy.
