Mani Shankar Aiyar’s Comments on Rajiv Gandhi Spark Political Controversy

Mani Shankar Aiyar criticized Rajiv Gandhi’s academic failures, which the BJP amplified, causing discord within Congress. While some Congress members defended Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions as Prime Minister, Aiyar humorously expressed a willingness to mentor Rahul Gandhi, highlighting internal party dynamics.

Mani Shankar Aiyar, a veteran member of the Congress party, has recently caused embarrassment for the leadership with comments regarding former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s academic failures at Cambridge and Imperial College, London. The ruling BJP seized upon these remarks, while Congress leaders characterized Mr. Aiyar as “irrelevant and frustrated,” with criticism directed toward him for allegedly acting as a “sleeper cell of BJP.”

In a clip from a two-and-a-half-hour interview on The Ewer (Chill-Pill), Mr. Aiyar stated, “He is a pilot. He has failed twice. I was with him at Cambridge. He failed there…Then he went to Imperial College, London, and failed again.” Although his comments raise questions about Rajiv Gandhi’s qualifications for the prime ministership, Mr. Aiyar later acknowledged him as an “excellent Prime Minister.”

Turning to the current challenge facing Congress, Mr. Aiyar discussed Rahul Gandhi’s potential as a leader during the interview. He referenced Indira Gandhi’s evolution from being labeled a “gungi gudiya” to becoming a formidable figure in Indian politics. Mr. Aiyar expressed uncertainty about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership capabilities but noted the historic ability of the Gandhi family members to rise to challenges.

The BJP amplified the controversial clip, with senior leader Amit Malviya pointing out Rajiv Gandhi’s academic struggles, asking how someone with such a record could attain the Prime Minister’s office. In response, Congress officials defended Rajiv Gandhi, indicating that academic failure does not correlate with political failure.

Veteran Congress member Harish Rawat defended Rajiv Gandhi’s economic reforms, lamenting that had the party united behind him, history could have been different. Similarly, MP Tarique Anwar remarked that despite failures, Rajiv Gandhi succeeded significantly in his five-year tenure as Prime Minister.

In a lighter moment from the interview, Mr. Aiyar humorously stated his readiness to mentor Rahul Gandhi for the past two decades, acknowledging a lack of mutual interest.

The video clip, focusing solely on Mr. Aiyar’s disparaging remarks about Rajiv Gandhi, has since sparked considerable debate and commentary on both sides of the political spectrum.

The remarks made by Mani Shankar Aiyar about Rajiv Gandhi’s academic record have reopened discussions regarding the capabilities of the Gandhi family in Indian politics. While the BJP has used this situation to question Rajiv Gandhi’s qualifications, Congress leaders have affirmed his significant contributions. The incident reinforces the complex narrative surrounding political legacy and the differences in opinion regarding leadership effectiveness within parties.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com