Pune, May 15 -- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday strongly supported the boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani goods, saying Turkey "committed the sin" of backing Pakistan.

His remarks came during a workshop organised by the Urban Development Department in Pune today, amid upcoming local body elections in the state.

Speaking to the media, Shinde said, "I welcome and appreciate the traders who have imposed a boycott on Turkey. Turkey committed the sin of supporting Pakistan, which has barbarically killed our innocent people. As a result, Turkey must be boycotted, and this exclusion is justified. To those receiving threats, I assure you that no harm will come to you...there is no need to fear Pakistan."

Shinde prai...