Key Points

He also criticised the way US President Donald Trump claimed credit for certain international developments without having proper authority, saying this has upset many countries, including those in Europe and the Gulf.

Speaking at the press conference, Sharad Pawar said, "The plain and simple fact is that in the recent developments, certain decisions were made, and then US President Donald Trump came forward and made announcements about them even though he had no authority to do so. Despite that, he claimed credit for the developments, without disclosing with whom the discussions were held. That kind of statement is disturbing."

Pawar said India should clearly state its position and remember how past leaders, such as Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Vajpayee, and Manmohan Singh, maintained balanced ties in the region.

"Several countries in the European region are also sceptical and upset about this approach. Similarly, countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan are also displeased with America's role. Just because you are powerful doesn't mean you can impose your views on other nations. That's not right. India should take a clear stand on this entire matter. If you look at the period after independence, whether it was Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Narasimha Rao, or Atal Bihari Vajpayee, they all supported the Gulf countries, always keeping in mind the sentiments of thier citizens," Pawar added.

He warned that the present government's approach is creating confusion about India's stand with Gulf nations, which is not good for the country's image.

"We had agricultural cooperation with Israel, but we never established political relations with them. For the first time, the current government has failed to maintain a neutral position. As a result, misunderstandings are being created regarding India's relationship with Gulf countries, which is not a good thing," he added.

He also said the BJP's continued criticism of the Emergency has little meaning today, as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had apologised for it and was later voted back to power by the people.

He said people did not support the Janata Party government for long and gave Indira Gandhi a full mandate again. Pawar added that the public's decision and her apology should settle the matter.

"The decision to impose the Emergency was not liked by the people. Indira Gandhi, at that time, acknowledged the public sentiment and took that into account. Later, she also apologised for it, and after her apology, elections were held. At that time, the Janata Party came to power, but within a year, elections were held again, their government collapsed, and Indira Gandhi returned to power with a full mandate," Pawar said.

"Today, when the BJP continues to comment on this issue, its remarks hold no real meaning. They should consider two things, first, did Indira Gandhi apologize for the Emergency or not? And second, did the people of this country hand over power back to Indira Gandhi or not?" he added.

On the possibility of the Shiv Sena and MNS uniting, Pawar said , "if the two parties come together, it would be a good thing. Whether they will actually come together or not, I don't know. I am not an astrologer."

Speaking about the reunification of the NCP factions, he said that if anyone forgets their differences and works for the people, it is always a good thing.

"Anyone who comes together and works for the betterment of the people is doing a good thing. If they be it brothers or anyone else, can set aside their differences and work constructively, there is nothing wrong with that," Pawar added.

- ANI