'Respect Pakistan or they'll drop bomb...': Mani Shankar's warning
Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar recent remarks, in which he advocated for a dialogue with Pakistan, have triggered yet another controversy amid the Lok Sabha elections. The former diplomat warned of the potential severe consequences if India continues to provoke its nuclear-armed neighbor. "You should talk to them. But instead, we are flexing our military might," Aiyar stated, expressing concern over escalating tensions and the possibility of a "madman" deciding to launch bombs at India.
Aiyar highlights potential fallout of nuclear conflict
In a recent interview that has gone viral now, Aiyar said, "We have them (bombs) too, but if a 'madman' decides to drop a bomb on Lahore, it won't take 8 seconds for the radiation to reach Amritsar." "If we don't give them respect, they'll think of using an atom bomb against India. India showing muscular policy should not forget that Pakistan also has muscle [atom bomb] at Kahuta [Rawalpindi]," he added.
BJP criticizes Aiyar's remarks on India-Pakistan relations
Aiyar's comments have been met with strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar responded by stating that the Congress's "ideology" is visible in these elections, with support to and from Pakistan, including "offering to give up Siachen." BJP leader and Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan also criticized Aiyar, suggesting he should seek treatment somewhere.
Check out Aiyar's interview here
PM's 'ghar me ghus kar' warning causes tension
Aiyar's comments came amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "ghar me ghus kar" warning in April. Addressing a crowd in Jharkhand, the PM said, ""Today's India doesn't give dossiers. This is New India, 'ghar mein ghus ke maarta hai'." Following the prime minister's remark, several prominent BJP officials intensified their anti-Pakistan rhetoric, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stating that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) "was, is, and will remain ours."
