Notwithstanding Narendra Modis criticism of engagement with Pakistan,BJP president Rajnath Singh on Tuesday congratulated Nawaz Sharifs victory in Pakistan and described his statements regarding relations with India as a positive sign.
The democratic transition of government in Pakistan is a welcome development. The BJP congratulates Nawaz Sharif on his historic electoral victory. Sharifs statements on rebuilding relations with India are a positive sign, said Singh.
Since Sharif has publicly stated to pick up the pieces of the 1999 peace process,we hope the agenda for peace and stability in the region is not hijacked by vested interests operating from Pakistan. Keeping in view our past experiences with Pakistan,the BJP views Sharifs statements with cautious optimism. We hope he is able to walk the talk, said Singh in his statement.
Singh avoided any reference to Sharifs invitation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,as well as the latters invitation to Sharif. Sources said this indicated that the BJP had no objection to the Prime Ministers overture to the new Pakistani leadership.