BJP Attacks Congress Over Mani Shankar Aiyar’s Comments on Rajiv Gandhi’s Leadership
BJP Attacks Congress Following Mani Shankar Aiyar’s Remarks on Rajiv Gandhi’s Academic Struggles
In a fresh political controversy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has latched onto controversial remarks made by veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar about the late Rajiv Gandhi. The remarks, which were shared by BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya on X (formerly Twitter), have reignited a heated debate over the legacy of India’s former Prime Minister.
Rajiv Gandhi struggled academically, even failing at Cambridge, where passing is relatively easy. He then moved to Imperial College London but failed there as well…
Many questioned how someone with his academic record could become the Prime Minister.
Let the veil be stripped. pic.twitter.com/m9serSGQMs
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 5, 2025
In an interview, Aiyar shared his personal views on Rajiv Gandhi, focusing on his academic struggles before he entered politics. Aiyar, who was once a close associate of Gandhi, stated that he had doubts about Rajiv Gandhi’s ability to lead the country due to his academic performance.
“When Rajiv Gandhi became the Prime Minister, I thought, how could a person who was an airline pilot and had failed twice become the Prime Minister? I studied with him at Cambridge, where he had failed. Failing at Cambridge University is very difficult because the university tries to ensure that everyone at least passes. But despite that, Rajiv Gandhi failed,” Aiyar said. He further added, “After that, he went to Imperial College in London, and he failed there as well. Then I thought, how can such a person become the Prime Minister of the country?”
These remarks have sparked a political firestorm, with the BJP seizing the opportunity to criticize Congress and its leadership. Malviya, sharing an excerpt from the interview, pointed out Aiyar’s words as evidence of internal discord within the Congress party.
Congress Defends Rajiv Gandhi’s Legacy Amid Criticism
In response to Aiyar’s comments, the Congress party swiftly came to the defense of Rajiv Gandhi, highlighting his contributions to India’s modern outlook. Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat, addressing the issue, referred to Aiyar’s remarks as those of a “frustrated individual.”
“I don’t want to comment on someone who is a frustrated individual. I knew Rajiv Gandhi, who gave the country a modern outlook. He took concrete steps for the liberalisation of the economy as well,” Rawat said. “It is unfortunate that a section of the party did not stand with him, or else the country’s history would have been something else. His speeches as Leader of Opposition still guide leaders,” Rawat added.
Rajiv Gandhi, who became Prime Minister at the age of 40 following the tragic assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, is credited with initiating major reforms that modernized India’s economy and IT sector. Under his leadership, India witnessed the liberalization of the telecommunications sector and greater emphasis on information technology, which significantly contributed to the country’s growth.
Aiyar’s Tumultuous Relationship with the Gandhis
This is not the first time that Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remarks have stirred controversy. Over the years, Aiyar has been involved in several contentious statements that have ruffled feathers within the Congress party and beyond. In a recent interview with PTI, Aiyar revealed his complex relationship with the Gandhi family, stating that his political career had been both “made and unmade by the Gandhis.”
During the interview, Aiyar reflected on his limited interactions with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, admitting that he had spent minimal time with them over the years. He also mentioned that, aside from one occasion, he had not been given opportunities for meaningful one-on-one interactions with Sonia Gandhi, the Congress president.
This has raised questions about the nature of his long association with the party and the Gandhi family. Despite his close association with Rajiv Gandhi early in his political career, Aiyar’s relationship with the family has remained strained, with him often voicing his dissent.
Past Controversies and Political Fallout
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s controversial statements are far from new. His remarks in 2008 about the Chinese “allegedly invading India” caused widespread outrage. In 2017, Aiyar made headlines during the Gujarat Assembly elections by referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi using objectionable language, leading to his suspension from the Congress party. Although the suspension was eventually lifted, the remarks had significant repercussions, damaging Congress’s electoral prospects.
In 2014, Aiyar also infamously mocked Narendra Modi, calling him a “chaiwala” (tea vendor), a comment that sparked a political storm. The BJP capitalized on the remarks, turning it into a potent campaign issue during the 2014 general elections.
The BJP’s Strategic Move
By highlighting Aiyar’s recent comments on Rajiv Gandhi, the BJP has once again taken aim at Congress and its leadership. The timing of this controversy comes as political temperatures rise in the lead-up to upcoming state elections and national discourse surrounding India’s leadership.
While Aiyar’s remarks have triggered political discussions, they also underscore the divisions and debates within the Congress party itself. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the party’s image and its future strategies.
Conclusion: Aiyar’s Controversial Role in Indian Politics
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s career, marked by both admiration and controversy, continues to make headlines. His recent remarks about Rajiv Gandhi’s academic struggles have reignited the debate over the former Prime Minister’s legacy and brought attention to the complex dynamics within the Congress party. Whether his comments will have a lasting impact on the Congress or merely provide the BJP with another political talking point remains to be seen.