Too early to invite Nawaz Sharif to India: BJP tells PM
New Delhi, May 13 (ANI): A day after Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh congratulated Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League- (Nawaz) (PML-N) party over their convincing victory in the May 11 general elections, and invited him to visit India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said the government should have waited till Pakistan's attitude towards India improved before inviting him over.
"The prime minister has been in a too much of hurry to invite Nawaz Sharif. He should have waited and seen if Pakistan's attitude towards India improved before inviting him here," BJP vice president Balbir Punj said.
"Surely he could have invited him but it is too early and in fact it does not make much sense even before he sworn-in," he added.
Reaching out to the new government in Pakistan, Dr. Singh conveyed India's desire to work with Sharif to chart a new course in bilateral relations.
Singh also invited Sharif to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
"I am writing to extend to you my heartiest congratulations on your emphatic victory in the general elections in Pakistan. You have received a strong mandate to lead Pakistan towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous future. I wish you all success in meeting the hopes and expectations of your people as you prepare to assume your new responsibilities," he said.
"This historic election is also significant victory for democracy in Pakistan. The people of India have watched with admiration the people of Pakistan braving violence and strife and turning out in large numbers to affirm their democratic rights. The Pakistani people and the political parties in Pakistan deserve all credit for strengthening the framework of democracy in their country by participating in these elections despite facing enormous challenges," he added.
Dr. Singh further said that the people of India also welcome your publicly articulated commitment to a relationship between India and Pakistan that is defined by peace, friendship and cooperation.
"I look forward to working with you and your government to chart a new course and pursue a new destiny in the relations between our countries. I would also like to extend an invitation to you to visit India at a mutually convenient time," he added. (ANI)
Too early to invite Nawaz Sharif to India: BJP tells PM