The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): NCP chief Sharad Pawar has voiced concerns over the Bharatiya Janata Party’s focus on the Katchatheevu island issue, questioning the silence on alleged Chinese territorial encroachments. During a press conference in Pune, Pawar criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attacking the Congress on historical issues while ignoring more pressing territorial disputes with China.
Pawar referred to recent statements by PM Modi, who criticized the Congress for its role in the 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement that recognized Katchatheevu as part of Sri Lanka. Modi accused Congress of carelessly handling the island’s sovereignty, which has been a longstanding point of contention affecting the fishing rights of Indian fishermen.
The NCP leader challenged the Prime Minister to address the concerns about Chinese actions along India’s borders, which he feels are a more immediate threat than historical grievances. “PM Modi should give an answer to the question about China’s encroachment in some parts of India, the issues which were also discussed in parliament…what steps did he take about it…he doesn’t speak on it ever,” Pawar stated.
This critique comes as the general elections approach, with both the BJP and opposition parties using national security and territorial integrity as key campaign issues. Pawar’s call for Modi to focus on current security challenges rather than historical disputes aims to shift the political narrative towards ongoing geopolitical tensions.