NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said that despite political differences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, national interest and India’s global prestige should remain above party lines.
Speaking at a gratitude and fellowship gathering organised by the Pune-based Lakshmanrao Gutte Rural Development Foundation, Pawar stressed that leaders across political ideologies should unite whenever the nation’s honour and interests are at stake.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to protect India’s prestige outside the country. We may have different political views, but when it comes to the nation’s honour, political differences should not come in the way,” Pawar said.
The veteran leader and former Union minister emphasised that national priorities should take precedence over political rivalry. He noted that whenever there is an opportunity to work collectively for the country’s welfare, leaders should join hands with a common purpose.
Pawar also highlighted the leadership of former prime ministers and leaders such as Indira Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh, stating that they consistently placed India’s future and international standing at the centre of governance.
Addressing former colleagues and political workers at the event, Pawar acknowledged that many individuals who once worked together had now moved to different political parties but had continued their commitment to public service.
“Some may belong to different political parties today, but all of you have remained connected with common people and preserved your commitment to society,” he said.
Recalling his own political journey, Pawar shared memories of moving from Baramati to Pune in 1958 due to the absence of a college in his hometown. He recounted how his involvement in youth movements eventually led him to leadership roles in the Youth Congress at city, state and national levels.
He also reflected on meeting India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during his youth and narrated an anecdote involving former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, highlighting her insistence on protecting India’s dignity during an official visit to the Soviet Union.
Quoting Gandhi, Pawar said, “I represent 40 crore people of India. If their prestige is not respected, I will never accept it.”
Pawar concluded by urging leaders and former colleagues to continue participating in initiatives that strengthen the country and uphold India’s prestige globally.
