In the aftermath of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent critique of Sharad Pawar regarding the plight of farmers, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader responded on Thursday by recalling his tenure as Union Minister (2004-2014) and his efforts to assist the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, now the Prime Minister, during agricultural crises in the state.
Pawar was the Union Agriculture Minister at the time with whom the then Gujarat CM mentioned as working closely, also remembered one such incident when the CM wanted to learn from innovative farming practices in the Middle East country of Israel.
Remembering the interaction, Pawar said, "He used to approach me with agricultural challenges and even invited me to Gujarat. There was a time when he expressed a desire to explore farming techniques in Israel, so I facilitated his visit there. Regardless of Modi's current assertions, my focus remains unchanged."
Years later, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in July 2017, a significant milestone in India-Israel relations.
Pawar's response came after PM Modi, a few days back, had indirectly lambasted on him for allegedly ignoring the farmers' concerns during his tenure as Union Agriculture Minister. During the entire campaign for the current Lok Sabha, Modi has continuously taken a dig at Pawar, accusing him of deserting the farming community and not being able to take care of their cause, while continuing to insist that the farmers were benefited immensely during the BJP government's reign at the Centre.
Pawar's reaction only goes on to prove that amidst all the political rhetoric, he is committed to finding solutions for agrarian issues and continues to call for cooperation.
Read also | Arvind Kejriwal must speak on Swati Maliwal 'assault' incident: Former AAP minister
Read also | Extension of Manish Sisodia's Judicial Custody in Excise Policy Case Until May 30
