Narendra Modi praises Sharad Pawar who once called him `fit for mental hospital`, `dangerous for country`

New Delhi: During the 75th birthday celebration of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used terms like 'visionary', 'saviour' and 'reverent' to describe the persona of the former chief minister of Maharashtra. But, just a years back, both the leaders had used derogatory references for each other.

Targeting NCP chief, PM Modi in October 2014 had attacked the former, stating he has none of the qualities of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.

"I want to ask Sharad Rao Pawar. You speak of Shivaji. It was the Vajpayee government which named Mumbai airport after Shivaji. You were Chief Minister but did not think of it. Even Victoria Terminus was named Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus by Vajpayee government," Modi was quoted as saying by PTI.

He had further taunted Pawar for failing to address the water woes of the State, though he held the portfolio of Agriculture Minister.

On other hand, Pawar had said in March 2014 that Narendra Modi needs to be "treated in a mental hospital for talking rubbish".

He also said, 'Modi is dangerous for the country.'

However, today during Pawar's 75th birthday celebration PM Modi said, “When we closely observe Sharad Pawar's life, we see that he is revered all around.”

He further spoke about the 'visionary' Pawar, stating, “Sharadji has qualities of a farmer. The way a farmer can anticipate weather, he too can anticipate the ongoing wind in politics.”