Mani Shankar Aiyar claims ‘Rajiv Gandhi was a two-time academic failure’ as political tensions rise
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Synopsis
Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's recent comments regarding Rajiv Gandhi's academic failures have ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from within his party and fueling BJP's attacks on Congress.
Key Takeaways
- Mani Shankar Aiyar labels Rajiv Gandhi a two-time academic failure.
- His remarks provide BJP with a fresh opportunity to criticize Congress.
- Congress leaders defend Rajiv Gandhi's legacy amidst the controversy.
- Aiyar faces backlash from his own party members.
- Critics question Aiyar's loyalty and intentions.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has ignited a new political controversy with his startling comments about former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, labeling him a "two-time failure" in his academic pursuits, first at Cambridge and later at Imperial University.
Aiyar's statements, which criticize a former leader of his own party, have provided the BJP with fresh ammunition to escalate their attacks against the Congress party. The ex-minister during the UPA government is now facing backlash from within Congress for revealing uncomfortable truths about Rajiv Gandhi. One Congress member referred to Aiyar as a "sleeper cell of the BJP."
The remarks quickly gained traction on social media after BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video clip on X, stating, "Let the veil be stripped."
In the video, Aiyar expressed his surprise at Rajiv Gandhi becoming Prime Minister, saying, "I was very surprised. I thought he is an airline pilot and failed at Cambridge. It is exceedingly challenging to fail at Cambridge because the institution ensures that everyone at least passes. Yet, despite this, Rajiv Gandhi failed."
He continued, "After that, he attended Imperial College in London and failed there as well. I wondered how such a person could become the Prime Minister of the country?"
In response to the uproar, Congress MP Tariq Anwar dismissed Aiyar's comments and defended Rajiv Gandhi's legacy. He stated, "Failing is not a significant issue; even the most successful individuals encounter failure at times. However, in politics, he did not fail. As Prime Minister, he was remarkably effective," Anwar told IANS.
Highlighting Rajiv Gandhi's achievements, Anwar noted, "He initiated Panchayati Raj, sparked the IT revolution, enhanced communication, and fostered scientific advancement. Few Prime Ministers have accomplished so much in just five years."
On the other hand, Congress national spokesperson Charan Singh Sapra criticized Aiyar, accusing him of consistently damaging the party's reputation.
"Mani Shankar Aiyar is a prominent leader and has been a part of Congress for a long time. Nevertheless, his statements over the past several years have only harmed the party," he informed IANS.
Sapra contended that Aiyar's comments aligned with the BJP's narrative and questioned his loyalty to the party.
"He is a habitual offender who makes controversial remarks, likely to remain relevant. Shouldn't Mani Shankar Aiyar be reminded that when he was with Congress and the party appointed him as a Member of Parliament, he was unaware of Rajiv Gandhi's failures?" he queried.
"He held a ministerial position at the Centre, and after losing the Lok Sabha elections in 2009 and 2010, Sonia Gandhi offered him a chance to lead in the Rajya Sabha. Has he forgotten all this?" he questioned.
"His statements imply that he is acting as a sleeper cell for the BJP. The BJP is leveraging him to disseminate propaganda. The public should be cautious about trusting his words," he added.
Mani Shankar Aiyar's provocative remarks have once again placed him at odds with the Congress party. Throughout the years, he has made numerous statements that have embarrassed the party leadership.
Notably, Aiyar was a close ally of Rajiv Gandhi when he entered the political arena and often claims that his political journey was both 'made and ended' by the Gandhi family.
