Owaisi, Azad Effectively Countered Pakistan's False Narrative: Jay Panda To News18
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The BJP MP, who returned after leading an all-party delegation to four nations, said opposition parties should reconcile with the fact that PM Modi is admired worldwide
The all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda wrapped up its four-nation visit to Bahrain, Kuwait, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia, where it conveyed India's zero tolerance on terror as well as the 'new normal" policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in dealing with cross-border terrorism. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18 after returning to India on Tuesday, Panda highlighted the usefulness and success of the visit.
Despite being gruelling, it was essential to convey the message, he said. After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks of 2008, India did not respond, and Pakistan blackmailed India with threats of nuclear escalation, Panda stated. 'However, under PM Modi, there is zero tolerance for terrorism. Our message under PM Modi is clear: we will not tolerate terrorism. Pakistan has spread a lot of misinformation, and we needed to clear the air and show that India stands united," he said.
Fellow delegation members Asaduddin Owaisi and Ghulam Nabi Azad were very powerful voices in the group, said Panda. 'When they spoke, it effectively countered the false narrative spread by Pakistan," he told CNN-News18. 'The world sees India as an opportunity and recognises us as a country that has demonstrated ahimsa (non-violence). Pakistan sheltered Osama bin Laden and continues to shelter dozens of terrorists."
Regarding the Congress demanding a special parliamentary session and raising concerns about Operation Sindoor, Panda said the terrorists behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack have been identified and Pakistan has admitted its role. 'I don't wish to delve into the opposition's statements," he added. 'Every section of political parties showed a united front, though some wanted to indulge in politics, which I choose to avoid."
Countries that provide funds to Pakistan have issued strong statements against it, he said. Pakistan has deceived these countries by claiming the money would be used for development, but it was misused, said the BJP leader. 'Pakistan has received funding from numerous countries, including those in the Gulf, the Middle East, and Asia, who are now fed up with Pakistan's actions," he said. Panda added that the opposition has a forum in Parliament, but 'some misuse their rights and raise questions on Operation Sindoor".
All of India stands united against terrorism, and everyone should cherish this unity, said Panda. 'The countries I have visited have immense respect for Modi ji. Opposition parties should reconcile with the fact that Modi ji is admired worldwide," he added.
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