Political differences should not come in the way when it comes to protecting India's prestige, said Nationalist Congress Party (SP) boss Sharad Pawar, who went on to appreciate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts. The veteran leader said PM Modi is working to uphold the country's honour abroad.
The Rajya Sabha member was speaking at a gratitude and fellowship gathering of former state and district office-bearers organised by a Pune-based foundation on Tuesday evening. The former Union minister stressed that whenever there is a chance to work collectively for the national interest, political rivals need to work together with a shared purpose.
"Political differences should not come in the way when it comes to protecting India's prestige, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to uphold the country's honour abroad," Pawar stated.
"Prime Minister Modi is working to protect the country's prestige outside India. We may have different political views, but when it comes to the nation's honour, political differences should not be brought in," he added.
Quoting a conversation with a former diplomat regarding Prime Minister I. K. Gujral, Pawar said Indira Gandhi had told Soviet authorities that she represented 40 crore Indians and would not accept any slight to their dignity.
"I represent 40 crore people of India. If their prestige is not respected, I will never accept it," Pawar quoted Gandhi as saying.
The NCP (SP) chief welcomed the coming together of former colleagues from different parties and urged them to continue such initiatives.
"If there is an opportunity to do work in the national interest collectively, all of you should participate with one common purpose and contribute to enhancing the country's prestige," he said.
