Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Apr 25: Former defence minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Friday expressed full support for the central government in its efforts to combat terrorism following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists.

Pawar stated that this is not the time for political disputes or demands for resignations, but a moment for all political parties to unite in solidarity against terrorism. He emphasized that the attack on India should not lead to political differences, with all parties standing by the government in its response to the threat. He also highlighted that NCP's Supriya Sule had attended the all-party meeting convened by the Centre on Thursday, where a unified stance was adopted.

"I was happy to see that all the parties have taken a cooperative stance. When terrorists attack our country, we should set aside political differences," Pawar remarked. He also stressed that the government should take the attack more seriously and address any gaps in national security.

Responding to questions on whether home minister Amit Shah should resign, Pawar focused on the need for the perpetrators of the attack to be found and punished, adding that he would not call for anyone’s removal at this stage.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule also urged against politicizing the tragedy. He condemned the attack, describing it as heartbreaking, and criticized those trying to make political capital out of the incident. Bawankule emphasized the need for national unity, especially in supporting the government and the victims of the attack.

"The entire country should stand united in supporting the government and the families of those affected by the attack," Bawankule said, adding that the government was making efforts to bring the stranded tourists back to Maharashtra. He also condemned the targeting of Hindus during the attack, calling it an unfortunate and cowardly act.