Congress distances itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'respect Pakistan' remark
The Congress has distanced itself from the controversial comments made by senior party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar to "respect Pakistan" and "talk to them." In a post on X, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said the party disagrees "totally with some remarks made by Mani Shankar Aiyar a few months ago." Khera alleged that the video was revived by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in an attempt to "deflect attention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's daily goof-ups."
BJP revives Aiyar's controversial remarks amidst current tensions
Khera also attached an old video of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in which the BJP leader "is publicly advising India to be afraid of China." An old video of Aiyar advocating for dialogue with Pakistan sparked a row earlier. In an interview, the Congress leader 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.
Aiyar's controversial remarks on India-Pakistan relations explained
"If we don't give them respect, they'll think of using...atom bomb against India. India showing muscular policy should not forget that Pakistan also has muscle [atom bomb] at Kahuta [Rawalpindi]," Aiyar said. Aiyar's comments were met with strong criticism from the 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." Ravi Kishan also criticized Aiyar, suggesting he should seek treatment.
Here's what Aiyar said
PM's 'ghar me ghus kar' warning causes tension
Aiyar's comments came amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following PM 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."
