Himanta Sarma's response to Sharad Pawar's critique of PM Modi with a 'Supriya Sule' remark
New Delhi, October 19: A political controversy unfolded as Sharad Pawar criticised PM Narendra Modi for expressing solidarity with Israel during the conflict with Hamas militants.
Amid the ongoing political exchange regarding Sharad Pawar's comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jab at the Nationalist Congress Party chief. He quipped that it seems like Sharad Pawar might send his daughter, Supriya Sule, to Gaza to support the militant group.
#WATCH | Delhi: On NCP chief Sharad Pawar's reported statement regarding India's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "I think Sharad Pawar will send Supriya (Sule) to Gaza to fight for the Hamas." pic.twitter.com/JrTWwIOM9T — ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2023
Sarma's comment came in response to a question from news agency ANI regarding Pawar's stance on the ongoing conflict.
This development has sparked a political dispute following Pawar's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support for Israel. Pawar expressed his disappointment, stating that it is unfortunate that the PM overlooked the core issue, emphasising that previous Indian prime ministers also "firmly supported Palestine."
It is very disturbing when a senior leader like @PawarSpeaks ji makes preposterous statements on India’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 India’s Defence… — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 18, 2023
Pawar remarked, "The entire land belongs to Palestine, and Israel encroached upon their territory. That area, the land, the houses—everything belonged to Palestine, and later, Israel took over. Israel is an external entity, and the land originally belongs to Palestine."
Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his dismay at Pawar's statements and underscored the need to denounce terrorism globally. Goyal highlighted that Pawar had held significant positions in the government during crucial security incidents.
Goyal stated, "It is very disconcerting when a senior leader like Sharad Pawar makes baseless statements about India's stance on a terrorist attack in Israel. Terrorism must be condemned in all its forms, anywhere in the world. It is regrettable that someone who has served as India's defense minister and chief minister multiple times takes such a nonchalant view of issues related to terrorism."
"Pawar Ji was a part of the same government that shed tears over the Batla House encounter and remained passive during terrorist attacks on Indian soil. This skewed mindset needs to change. I hope Pawar Ji now considers the nation's interests first," he further remarked.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also condemned Pawar's statements and affirmed that India has consistently maintained its position on this matter, always strongly opposing terrorism.
"India has not altered its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Nevertheless, India has consistently opposed and vehemently condemned terrorism in all its forms and against any entity," Fadnavis stated in a post.
On October 7, Prime Minister Modi expressed solidarity with Israel after it endured rocket strikes by Hamas militants. He conveyed that India's thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas militants entered its 13th day on Thursday. Tel Aviv has deployed its forces along the Gaza border and conducted drills for a potential ground invasion to target Hamas militants. The conflict has resulted in more than 4,000 casualties since it began on October 7, including approximately 1,400 Israelis and 2,750 Palestinians.
- With inputs from agencies
