• Source:JND
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Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has triggered a political storm with his recent remarks on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, calling him a "two-time failure" in academics. Aiyar claimed that Rajiv Gandhi failed at both Cambridge University and Imperial College in London before entering politics.

His comments have not only provided fresh ammunition to the BJP to attack the Congress but have also drawn sharp criticism from within his own party. Some Congress leaders have accused him of tarnishing Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy and aligning with the BJP’s narrative.

Aiyar’s remarks gained widespread attention after BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video clip of his statement on X, saying, "Let the veil be stripped." In the clip, Aiyar is heard expressing surprise at Rajiv Gandhi’s rise to the post of Prime Minister.

"I thought he was an airline pilot and had failed at Cambridge, which is very rare. The university ensures students pass to maintain its reputation, yet he failed. After that, he went to Imperial College in London and failed there as well. I wondered how such a person could become the Prime Minister of India," Aiyar said in the video.

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His remarks invited sharp criticism from Congress leaders, with one dubbing him as the "sleeper cell of the BJP" for repeatedly making statements that damage the party’s image.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar dismissed Aiyar’s claims, defending Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy. "Failing in academics is not a big deal; even the best people fail sometimes. But he did not fail in politics. As Prime Minister, he was highly successful," Anwar said.

Highlighting Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions, he added, "He introduced Panchayati Raj, led the IT revolution, improved communication, and promoted scientific progress. Very few Prime Ministers have achieved so much in just five years."

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Congress national spokesperson Charan Singh Sapra, however, was more critical of Aiyar. "For years, his statements have only hurt the party. He appears to be working as a BJP tool to spread propaganda," Sapra said. He also questioned Aiyar’s loyalty, reminding him that Congress had given him several opportunities, including a Rajya Sabha seat and a ministerial position.