Nehru’s achievements and contributions incomparable, says Sharad Pawar

Published 10 June 2026 · local

Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comparison with Congress leader and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar on

Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comparison with Congress leader and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) said that Nehru’s achievements and contributions to the country were incomparable. Speaking at the 27th foundation day of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) in Mumbai, Mr. Pawar said, “For the last few days, I have been hearing a comparison with Jawaharlal Nehru. You (Narendra Modi) became the Prime Minister. It has been so many years since you assumed the position. It is important, no doubt. But can it be compared with Nehru? The effort is to show that he has been the PM for more days than Jawaharlal Nehru.

But can it be comparable to Nehru’s achievements and contribution?” “Before becoming the PM, Nehru worked to make the country independent. Nehru spent several years in jail during the freedom struggle under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. His sacrifices and contribution to nation-building cannot be forgotten,” the former Union Minister said. Lauding Mr. Modi, he said that the milestone of completing 12 years in office cannot be ignored either. “In a parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister is a constitutional post and we have to respect it. But Nehru is Nehru,” he said. Stating that his party had gone through several phases, he said that it will continue to fight for issues related to farmers, educated and unemployed youth, and women.

Criticises BJP leader’s remark He slammed Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan over his statement on Operation Blue Star. “It is unacceptable to us,” he said, adding that the Minister had accused former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi of being responsible for the atrocities against Sikhs. “Mr. Mahajan has insulted the entire country by making such statements against the Congress. Operation Blue Star was a sacrifice by Indira Gandhi. Sikhs have worked for the country’s security on the borders and food security. Some people took a different path. Some things happened and cannot be forgotten. Indira Gandhi never compromised on the country’s prestige and security,” he said.

Pawar also took a dig at the NCP for publishing full-page in several newspapers, including English dailies, in the State. He said the party had earlier never had to spend on such. Meanwhile, NCP(SP) State president Shashikant Shinde ruled out a merger with the NCP yet again, saying the party was walking on the path of “struggle” to bring back a progressive government.