Pawar's remark on late Parrikar inappropriate, says Tawde

Maharashtra BJP leader Vinod Tawde Monday dubbed as "inappropriate" NCP chief Sharad Pawar's remark that former defence minister Manohar Parrikar relinquished his post at the Centre and returned to Goa because he did not agree with the Rafale fighter jet deal.

However, Tawde also justified the party's frequent attacks against former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.

"If Pawar ever wanted to say anything about Parrikar, he could have said when Parrikar was alive. It is inappropriate to say anything against a person who is not alive anymore," the state education minister told reporters.

When asked about the BJP's tirade against Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, Tawde said, "We only talk about their political failures, and will continue to do so. We never made a comment about them the way Pawar has made about Parrikar".

Responding to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remark that the BJP is a threat to the Constitution, the minister said that the "biggest insult" to the Constitution was caused by Priyanka's grandmother late Indira Gandhi (during Emergency)".

Tawde accused Pawar of having double standards when it comes to talking about security agencies and terror attacks.

"He talks about Pulwama terror attack. He also appeals to the Centre to bring back Kulbhushan Jadhav from Pakistan but objects when the BJP makes any references to surgical or air strikes. Should we also raise questions about the Mumbai bomb blasts and the 26/11 terror attack, and doubt the ability of the previous government?" Tawde asked.