Sharad Pawar tells Sanjay Raut not to mix local politics with India’s global anti-terror efforts

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has advised Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut against dragging local political rivalries into India’s international efforts to counter terrorism. His comments came a day after Raut criticised the Centre’s decision to send all-party delegations abroad to present India’s stance on recent terror attacks and Operation Sindoor.

Speaking to the media in Baramati on Monday, Pawar recounted how he was once part of a similar delegation under former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, led by then BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He stressed the importance of setting aside party politics when dealing with matters of national and international significance.

“Today, the Centre has sent delegations to various countries to explain India’s position on the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan’s actions. At such times, we must rise above local-level politics,” he said. “I understand Raut has his own opinion, but I’ve noticed that a member of his own party is part of the delegation.”

The delegations comprise 51 politicians from across party lines and include leaders like Supriya Sule from NCP (SP) and Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT). Their task is to convey India’s united resolve to tackle terrorism on the global stage in the wake of the coordinated strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.

In another issue raised during the press interaction, Pawar addressed concerns over the proposed Purandar Airport. Local farmers have been protesting the project due to fears of displacement, poor compensation, and loss of fertile agricultural land. Pawar assured that he would convene a meeting with representatives, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Supriya Sule, to find a resolution.

He acknowledged that the land in question, developed through irrigation during his tenure as Chief Minister, is now rich in horticulture and sugarcane production. “We need to find a middle ground that protects the interests of both the development project and the farmers,” he added.