Why is BJP Criticizing Mani Shankar Aiyar Over His Remarks on Diplomatic Efforts?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP leaders strongly criticized Mani Shankar Aiyar for his remarks on India's diplomatic efforts.
- Aiyar's comments prompted accusations of him undermining national security.
- There is a perception that opposition leaders are echoing Pakistan's narrative.
- The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the BJP and Congress regarding national defense.
- Diplomatic outreach efforts continue to be a contentious issue in Indian politics.
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) Senior BJP leaders have vehemently criticized Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar for his recent statements that questioned the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at exposing Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism. Aiyar’s remarks have attracted significant backlash, with the BJP accusing him of “speaking Pakistan’s language” and jeopardizing the nation’s battle against terror.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh spearheaded the criticism, asserting, “Congress leaders, from Mani Shankar Aiyar to P. Chidambaram, frequently mirror the rhetoric of Pakistan’s media and military. They often call for clarifications from our Armed Forces, seek NOCs, and even extend red carpets to Pakistan. Regrettably, whether it’s Congress or the INDI Alliance, they appear visibly distressed by the destruction of terror camps and the challenges faced by the Pakistani Army. One must ponder: what is the connection between Congress and Pakistan?”
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also denounced Aiyar's comments, observing that the state of opposition leaders in India is deteriorating.
“It is regrettable that Mani Shankar Aiyar is adopting the rhetoric of Pakistan. What has become of our opposition leaders?” Khandelwal remarked.
The uproar originated from an interview Aiyar conducted with IANS earlier on Saturday, wherein he criticized the government’s diplomatic outreach efforts following ‘Operation Sindoor’. This initiative involved dispatching Indian leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, to various nations to spotlight Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.
“Shashi Tharoor and his colleagues can travel as much as they wish, but aside from Israel, no one else has affirmed that Pakistan was responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack. While everyone condemns terrorism, there is a reluctance to assign blame to Pakistan,” Aiyar stated.
Aiyar further accused the government of lacking the fortitude to confront misinformation from global powers.
“Trump has claimed multiple times that the US facilitated the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, yet our government is unwilling to declare that he is incorrect. The government does not possess the courage to state the truth,” he concluded.