Daijiworld Media Network – Pune

Pune, May 19: NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Monday dismissed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s call to boycott the Centre’s delegations abroad, urging that local politics should not interfere with India’s international outreach.

Recalling his experience in a UN delegation led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pawar said, “When international issues arise, party politics should be set aside.” He noted that the delegations are focused on presenting India’s stance on the Pahalgam terror attack and related Pakistan activities.

Raut had accused the government of defending “sins and crimes” and urged the INDIA bloc to boycott the delegations. Pawar countered that one Sena (UBT) member is part of the delegation and politics should not come into such matters.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP. Fifty-one leaders will represent India in seven delegations worldwide, including NCP’s Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi.

On the Purandar Airport dispute, Pawar said he plans to hold talks with local leaders and officials to address farmers’ concerns over compensation and environmental impact. Clashes during drone surveys on May 3 left several injured. Pawar expressed hope for a peaceful resolution protecting the fertile region.