In a surprising comparison that has sparked discussions across political circles, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar drew parallels between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi. Pawar praised the current Prime Minister’s popularity, global stature, and work ethic, equating these attributes with those of the late Gandhi leaders.
Addressing the media on Tuesday in Pune, Pawar commended Prime Minister Modi for his exceptional popularity and the transformative work he has undertaken. “There is no other personality in the country who has popularity like Modi ji. Look at the work he has done…, the kind of respect India gets at the global level,” he remarked, speaking to PTI.
Drawing historical parallels, Pawar pointed out that both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had also enjoyed immense respect on the global stage during their tenures. “Indira Gandhi used to get similar kind of respect (when she visited other countries)….Rajiv Gandhi had an image of Mr. Clean. Similarly, we are seeing (that) in the form of Modi,” he stated, emphasizing the perceived similarities between the leaders.
The context of these remarks arose during Prime Minister Modi’s reception of the Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune. The award, presented annually, recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to various fields, including politics, science, arts, and social work. The award ceremony served as the backdrop for Pawar’s comments highlighting the commonalities among the three prime ministers.
Pawar also addressed recent controversies, particularly the Manipur violence that has stirred national outrage. Responding to opposition demands for the Prime Minister to address the issue in Parliament, Pawar emphasized that any prime minister would prioritize maintaining law and order within the country. He condemned the violence in Manipur and noted that both the central and state governments were actively working to bring the culprits of the May 3 incident to justice.
The Deputy Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to public service, highlighting his willingness to work tirelessly even during significant national holidays. “During Diwali, while the rest of the country celebrates Diwali at home, he celebrates it with army soldiers on the borders,” Pawar noted, underscoring Modi’s dedication to his role.
Having observed the Prime Minister’s tenure over the past nine years, Pawar hailed Modi’s international popularity as unparalleled. He also recognized the challenges and responsibilities that come with being in power. “There is no other leader with popularity like Modi at the international level. The truth is the truth. I want development. Being in an opposition party, we can stage protests and take out morchas, but the decision lies with those who are in power,” Pawar commented, acknowledging the realities of governance.
While Pawar’s remarks have garnered attention for drawing unusual comparisons, they also reflect the dynamic nature of politics and leadership in India. The connections he highlighted between Prime Minister Modi and the late Gandhi leaders underscore the multifaceted legacies and impacts of these individuals on the nation’s political landscape.
As the country continues to evolve and navigate global challenges, the assessment of leaders’ qualities and actions remains a subject of ongoing public discourse. Pawar’s perspective adds to this ongoing conversation, shedding light on how different leadership traits can be perceived and evaluated in the context of India’s historical and contemporary political narratives.
