New Delhi, May 10, 2024: The Congress party found itself embroiled in controversy after senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s recent remarks advocating dialogue with Pakistan. Aiyar’s statements sparked heated debates and raised eyebrows within the political landscape. However, the party swiftly distanced itself from his comments, emphasizing that Aiyar did not speak on behalf of the Congress.
Aiyar’s Controversial Remarks
In an old video that resurfaced, Aiyar suggested that India should engage in dialogue with Pakistan rather than flex its military prowess. He cautioned against provoking Pakistan, stating that doing so might lead to Pakistan dropping an atomic bomb on India. His remarks were met with criticism from various quarters, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Congress Responds
The Congress party wasted no time in countering the backlash. It strategically shared an old video featuring External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In the interview with ANI, Jaishankar emphasized that it was common sense for India not to pick a fight with China. He reasoned that China’s status as the “bigger economy” made confrontation unwise. By highlighting Jaishankar’s stance, the Congress aimed to deflect attention from Aiyar’s controversial statements.
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera countered the BJP’s attack by sharing an old video of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s interview with ANI in which he was heard saying that it was common sense for India not to pick a fight with China as it was the “bigger economy.”.
He tweeted, “The Indian National Congress dissociates itself completely from and disagrees totally with some remarks made by Mani Shankar Aiyar a few months ago, which have been revived today by the BJP in its attempt to deflect attention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s daily goof-ups. Aiyar does not speak for the party in any capacity whatsoever.”
“The Indian National Congress and indeed the entire nation recall with pride that in December 1971, Pakistan was broken and an independent Bangladesh emerged thanks to Indira Gandhi’s decisive and determined leadership and the valour of our armed forces,” said Khera.
“On May 18, 1974, almost to the day, India declared to the world that it was capable of producing nuclear weapons, under the direction of Indiraji. The Indian National Congress has always maintained that the paramount national interest should serve as the basis for all of our decision-making,” he continued.
भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस श्री मणि शंकर अय्यर द्वारा कुछ महीने पहले की गई कुछ टिप्पणियों से अपने आप को अलग करती है और पूरी तरह से उनसे असहमत है। देश समझ रहा है कि भाजपा द्वारा प्रधानमंत्री मोदी के दैनिक गलतियों एवं निरंतर डगमगाते प्रचार से ध्यान हटाने के प्रयास में इन पुरानी व… pic.twitter.com/GcF04gnThv
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) May 10, 2024
BJP’s Reaction
The BJP promptly seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress. Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the party of being an “apologist for Pakistan.” Shah’s remarks came in response to Aiyar’s suggestion that India should tread carefully in its dealings with Pakistan. The BJP portrayed the Congress as soft on national security issues, emphasizing the need for a strong and assertive approach.
The Bigger Picture
The episode involving Aiyar’s remarks underscores the delicate balance India must maintain in its foreign relations. While dialogue and diplomacy are essential tools, they must be wielded judiciously. The Congress’s swift disapproval of Aiyar’s statements and its strategic use of Jaishankar’s interview demonstrate the party’s agility in managing political narratives.
As the Lok Sabha elections continue, both parties will continue to spar over issues of national security, foreign policy, and leadership. Aiyar’s comments serve as a reminder that every word uttered by a political leader can have far-reaching consequences.
In the coming days, the spotlight will remain on the Congress and its ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges. As voters head to the polls, they will weigh not only economic promises and social welfare but also the party’s stance on critical international matters.
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Ashish Bajpai 
