‘Govt Creating Narrative Against Pak For Political Gains,’ Says Sharad Pawar While Praising Pakistan

While addressing the gathering at the party’s Mumbai office, he said that they (Pakistan) don’t want a war with India. He also said that a narrative is being built against Pakistani for political gains and those in power are spreading false information.

Sharad Pawar

New Delhi: Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has triggered a huge controversy by praising Pakistan at a special event for minorities in Mumbai, amid the tensions prevailing between the two neighbours following the abrogation of Article 370. He showered praises on Pakistan for its hospitality to him when he was in the country for a cricket series during his tenure as the cricket board president. He stated that he received  a lot of love in the country and said that Pakistanis are “very hospitable”. While addressing the gathering at the party’s Mumbai office, he said that they (Pakistan) don’t want a war with India. He also said that a narrative is being built against Pakistani for political gains and those in power are spreading false information. Pawar also went on to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharahstra Chief Minsiter Narendra Fadnavis for neglecting the flood-affected areas of Maharashtra and for not paying a visit. On the recent scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir , he said that by doing so the government is conveying that they are opposed to a minority state and their bid will lead to an increase in terrorism in the valley. Meanwhile, ahead of the Maharashtra elections, Sharad Pawar will embark on a tour of the state to study the political situation at the grassroots ahead of next month's Assembly elections in Maharashtra, an office-bearer of the party said.