MUMBAI: Congress leader Milind Deora on Tuesday described as "unfounded" speculation of his future political path, after the exchange of tweets between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latter's US visit.
Deora had triggered speculations about his future political role after he praised Modi's address in Texas as a momentous first for India's soft power diplomacy.
Modi had responded to his tweet and recalled his late friend and Milind's father Murli Deora's commitment to strong ties with USA.
Thank you @milinddeora. You are absolutely correct when you highlight my friend, late Murli Deora Jis commitment… https://t.co/cQSn1rnLis
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1569248880000
State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant told reporters here that the AICC will respond to Deora's remarks.
In a statement, Deora said he has inherited the legacy of the Indo-United States relationship from his father Murli Deora.
While I appreciate the kind words expressed by Murlibhais friends and well-wishers, I express regret on the insinu… https://t.co/swAupTc0aN
— Milind Deora मिलिंद देवरा (@milinddeora) 1569314696000
"My father first visited the US in 1968 as an exchange student, and after meeting Robert F Kennedy, decided to enter public life and build stronger ties between both democracies. My family's relationships with institutions, political parties and leaders were built keeping Indias interests in mind," he said.
Deora said his father's efforts and relationships helped strengthen India's national interest. "My late father worked closely with Indian Prime Ministers and US Presidents cutting across party lines in the spirit of bipartisanship. Murlibhai deserves respect because he put his country before party. Fortunately, politics at the time was not as confrontational and ungracious as it is today," he said.
"I express regret on the insinuations and unwarranted criticism in sections of media and social media.For those who have already imagined and chartered my forward path, I wish to give you one unambiguous answer: I will serve my country to the best of my ability and I will remain bipartisan when it comes to issues of national interest and foreign policy," he said.
The experience and relationships that he has inherited and nurtured have little meaning if they cannot be leveraged for India, Deora said.
"Finally, I am my father's son. Friendship was the bedrock of his politics. It has earned us friends and well-wishers from Bhuleshwar to Boston and Walkeshwar to Washington. I will not compromise on my core beliefs even though politics continues to become increasingly uncharitable and partisan," Deora said.
"PM Modi's Houston address was a momentous firstRead More – Source
