Shocked Political Row Erupts as Ex-MP Suggests Rajiv Gandhi’s Two Failures Led to PM Position
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New Delhi, March 5: Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has sparked a fresh political row with his explosive “revelation” about former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, describing him as a “two-time failure” in academics at Cambridge and Imperial University. The remarks, which question the reputation of their own party leader, have given the BJP a new platform to attack the Congress.
The emotional responses to Aiyar’s comments have left many within the Congress party reeling. A senior leader has branded him the “sleeper cell of the BJP,” accusing him of deliberately causing harm to the party’s image. Amit Malviya, the BJP’s IT cell head, quickly shared a video clip of Aiyar’s comments on social media, with the caption “Let the veil be stripped,” further stoking the controversy.
In the clip, Aiyar claims that when Gandhi became Prime Minister, he was surprised, citing the latter’s struggles in academics. “He is an airline pilot and failed at Cambridge. It’s very difficult to fail at Cambridge because the university ensures that everyone at least passes. However, despite that, Rajiv Gandhi failed,” Aiyar said. He went on to add, “After that, he went to Imperial College in London and failed again. I thought, how can such a person become the Prime Minister of the country?”
Responding to the row, Congress MP Tariq Anwar has defended Gandhi’s legacy, downplaying the significance of his academic struggles. “Failing is not a big deal; even the best people fail sometimes. But he did not fail in politics. As Prime Minister, he was highly successful,” Anwar said, highlighting Gandhi’s notable achievements, including the introduction of Panchayati Raj, the IT revolution, improved communication, and scientific progress. “There are very few Prime Ministers who have achieved so much in just five years,” he added.
However, Congress national spokesperson Charan Singh Sapra has been critical of Aiyar’s remarks, accusing him of repeatedly causing harm to the party’s image. “Mani Shankar Aiyar is an influential leader and has been with the Congress for a long time. But for the last several years, his statements have only damaged the party,” Sapra said. He questioned Aiyar’s loyalty to the party and its leadership, pointing out his habit of making controversial remarks. “He is a habitual offender who gives provocative statements to stay in the news. Shouldn’t Mani Shankar Aiyar be asked about his own role in the party, and how he was made a Member of Parliament and later a minister at the Centre?” he asked.
The controversy surrounding Aiyar’s remarks has further soured his already strained relationship with the Congress party, leaving many to wonder about his future within the organization. As the debate continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Mani Shankar Aiyar’s explosive remarks have ignited a fresh political storm.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/03/05/mani-shankar-aiyar-says-rajiv-gandhi-failed-twice-but-became-pm-political-row-erupts/
Category : NATIONAL,News Alert
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Publish Date: 2025-03-05 17:24:00
