Mani Shankar Aiyar on Rahul Gandhi: Mentorship Offers and Controversial Remarks
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s interview addresses his relationship with Rahul Gandhi, his willingness to mentor him, and remarks about Rajiv Gandhi’s academic history. He clarified that his views do not represent Congress and expressed frustration about not being consulted by Rahul. Aiyar’s comments have drawn criticism from the BJP, while Congress leaders defended Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy.
In a recent interview, Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar addressed controversies stemming from his remarks about Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family’s political legacy. He expressed relief that the Congress leadership clarified his opinions do not reflect party views. Aiyar stated, “I know that whatever I told you, it will be twisted and used by the BJP. They can do that, and I am relieved that (Congress communications head) Pawan Khera has already given me a certificate that I don’t represent the Congress in any manner whatsoever.”
When questioned about his relationship with Rahul Gandhi, Aiyar acknowledged that their friendship remains, but noted that Rahul perceives him as old, which he contest. Aiyar stated, “I am not buddha (old).” He revealed he has been willing to mentor Rahul for two decades but feels Rahul does not desire his assistance, saying, “He dislikes me. And who am I to impose my opinion on him?”
In a discussion about why he does not meet Rahul personally, Aiyar explained that such attempts are hindered by Rahul’s lack of contact. He reminisced about a past conversation where Rahul expressed respect, stating, “I would always listen to him because he is my father’s friend and my father always listened to him.”
Aiyar’s controversial remarks regarding former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s academic challenges have incited backlash. He noted that Rajiv failed at Cambridge and Imperial College, questioning how someone with such an academic record could attain the Prime Minister role, while acknowledging, “But I now say he was an excellent Prime Minister.” He conveyed that, through challenges, individuals can show their potential.
The BJP has leveraged Aiyar’s comments to criticize Congress, with senior leader Amit Malviya highlighting Rajiv’s academic failures. In response, Congress leaders countered these claims, with Harish Rawat calling Aiyar a “frustrated individual” and praising Rajiv Gandhi for modernizing India’s economy.
These events underscore the tensions within Congress and the complicated legacy of the Gandhi family as they navigate public scrutiny and internal dissent.
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s recent interview reveals tensions between him and Rahul Gandhi, focusing on perceived generational divides and mentoring offers. His remarks about Rajiv Gandhi’s academic history have sparked controversy, prompting responses from both BJP and Congress leaders. This situation emphasizes ongoing challenges within the Congress party as they deal with internal disputes and external political pressures.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
