Mani Shankar Aiyar’s comments on Rajiv Gandhi’s academic failures at Cambridge have sparked controversy, especially as the BJP has highlighted them. Congress members have responded by defending Rajiv Gandhi’s political legacy, emphasizing his achievements and the dynamics of party politics. Aiyar’s remarks reflect broader themes of merit and capability in leadership roles.
Mani Shankar Aiyar, a veteran of the Congress party, has stirred controversy again by discussing former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s academic failures at Cambridge and Imperial College London. His remarks have been seized upon by the ruling BJP, prompting Congress leaders to declare Aiyar “irrelevant and frustrated,” with one spokesperson labeling him a “sleeper cell of BJP.”
Aiyar’s comments were made during a lengthy interview where he claimed, “He is a pilot. He has failed twice. I was with him at Cambridge. He failed there.” He emphasized the difficulty of failing at such prestigious institutions, stating that passing at Cambridge is often facilitated by the university’s desire to maintain its image. However, Aiyar also noted Gandhi’s subsequent success as Prime Minister, saying, “But I now say he was an excellent Prime Minister.”
The context of Aiyar’s remarks can easily be overlooked; he was responding to inquiries about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership capacities while referencing the evolving reputations of political figures, including his mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi. He posited that challenges could spur growth in political abilities, hinting at the potential for change within Rahul Gandhi. However, this nuance was lost as a clip of his academic critiques went viral.
BJP leader Amit Malviya amplified Aiyar’s comments, pointing to Rajiv Gandhi’s struggles with academics as questionable for someone in a leadership position. In response, Congress leaders criticized Aiyar personally for creating embarrassment within the party. Harish Rawat defended Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions to the country, stating he modernized India’s economy despite facing opposition from some members within Congress.
Tarique Anwar, another Congress MP, remarked on the inevitability of failure, asserting that Rajiv Gandhi succeeded significantly during his tenure. When asked about mentoring Rahul Gandhi, Aiyar jokingly noted, “I have been ready to mentor him for 20 years. He does not want it. He dislikes me.”
These remarks by Aiyar have sparked a divisive discourse around academic merit and political capability, illustrating the ongoing tensions within Indian politics.
In summary, Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remarks regarding Rajiv Gandhi’s academic failures have ignited significant debate. The BJP capitalizes on this controversy, while Congress leaders express frustration with Aiyar’s comments. Ultimately, despite academic shortcomings, Rajiv Gandhi’s political legacy is defended by party members, emphasizing achievements during his tenure as Prime Minister. Aiyar’s insights into the potential transformation of political figures amidst challenges add another layer to the discussion.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
