Sharad Pawar’s Pro-Palestine Statement Sparks Heated Exchange
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief, Sharad Pawar, found himself in the midst of a political storm following his pro-Palestine remarks, which triggered a heated exchange with leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Pawar’s statement in support of Palestine, emphasizing India’s historical stance alongside Palestinians, drew sharp criticism from several BJP figures, including Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, and Devendra Fadnavis.
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Provocative Response
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma further fueled the controversy by suggesting that Sharad Pawar should send his daughter, Supriya Sule, to Gaza to support Hamas. This provocative comment added to the intensifying exchange of words between political leaders.
“More Loyal Than the King” – Pawar Responds
On Friday, Sharad Pawar responded to the wave of criticism by BJP leaders. He labeled their remarks as “more loyal than the king” and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent conversation with the President of Palestine. Pawar pointed out that PM Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position on the Israel-Palestine issue and pledged aid for Palestine, aligning with the views expressed by past prime ministers such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Behari Vajpayee. He highlighted the importance of ensuring a peaceful resolution to the enduring conflict, allowing Israelis and Palestinians to coexist as peaceful neighbors.
Historical Context
Sharad Pawar underscored the historical support India has offered to Palestine, dating back to leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He emphasized that the NCP’s stance remains clear in supporting the people who are considered the original inhabitants of the land.
Prime Minister Modi’s Statement on Israel-Hamas
In his first statement after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, Prime Minister Modi condemned the “terrorist” attack and expressed solidarity with Israel. This statement raised questions, as India had historically supported a “sovereign, independent, and viable” Palestine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later clarified India’s position on Israel and Palestine, condemning Hamas’ attack on Israel.
On the 13th day of the Israel-Hamas war, PM Modi spoke with the President of the Palestinian Authority, expressing concern over civilian casualties after an attack on the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17. PM Modi reiterated India’s principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue and pledged continued humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
The Controversy
The controversy surrounding Sharad Pawar’s remarks has ignited a broader debate about India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the role of political leaders in shaping foreign policy. Nitin Gadkari criticized Pawar’s statement, and Piyush Goyal referred to it as a “rotten mindset,” reflecting the deep divisions on this sensitive issue within India’s political landscape.
Sources By Agencies
