Modi takes potshots at Sharad Pawar over Pakistan remarks

NASHIK: Donning headgear presented by a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday targeted NCP chief Sharad Pawar over the latter's remarks on Pakistan.

Launching the BJP'S campaign for next month's Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Modi also said the state suffered due to political instability in the past and lauded Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for providing a "stable government" in the last five years, despite BJP not having a complete majority on its own. On the decision of revoking provisions of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said this was the wish of 130 crore Indians.

"The decision has been taken to save the Kashmiris from the cycle of violence, terror and separatism. They suffered for 40 years due to Delhi's (previous Congressled governments) wrong policies and 42,000 people were killed," he said.

Instead of supporting the government on the decision taken in national interest, opposition leaders are making comments for their selfish political interests, Modi said.

"When the country is united over the decision on Kashmir, Congress and NCP leaders have not cooperated," he said. Without naming Rahul Gandhi, Modi said the Congress leaders are making comments which are being used by other countries and terror outfits against India.

"I can understand the confusion of the Congress. But Sharad Pawar? I feel bad when an experienced leader like him makes wrong statements for votes. He said he likes the neighbouring country. But every one knows where the terror factory is," Modi said.

Addressing a rally here as part of the conclusion of the 'Mahajanadesh Yatra' undertaken by Fadnavis to reach out to masses ahead of the Assembly polls, Modi said Maharashtra had not progressed as it should have.