Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has ignited a political uproar with his recent remarks regarding China. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized upon his statements, launching a series of attacks on the Congress party. In response, Congress is distancing itself from Aiyars comments, with senior party members emphasising that his views do not represent the partys stance.Jairam Rameshs Response: Who is Mani Shankar AiyarCongress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh responded to the controversy by downplaying Aiyars importance within the party. Speaking to ANI, Ramesh stated, Who is Mani Shankar Aiyar He is not an officer, he is a former MP and former minister. He can say whatever he wants in his personal capacity. We have nothing to do with this. The media, BJPs troll army, and social media keep running it. He has nothing to do with the Congress party. He is in the Congress party, but he is not even an MP he is just a former MP.#WATCH | Delhi: On Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyars remark, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says, Who is Mani Shankar Aiyar He is not an official, he is a former MP and a former minister. He speaks whatever he wants in his personal capacity. We have nothing to do with it...… pic.twitter.com/KGlzLxcQP6— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2024Background of the ControversyThe controversy stems from remarks made by Aiyar during a recent programme, where he suggested that Chinas 1962 attack on India was alleged. This statement drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which has been leveraging it to attack the Congress in the run-up to the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on June 1.Jairam Ramesh clarified that Aiyar had later apologised unconditionally for mistakenly using the term alleged attack. Ramesh also pointed to Aiyars advancing age as a factor in the misstatement. He reaffirmed the reality of the Chinese invasion that began on 20 October 1962, and referenced the Chinese incursion in Ladakh in early May 2020, which resulted in the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers.Aiyars Remarks Stir Political DebateThe BJP has capitalised on Aiyars controversial statement, using it to question the Congress party and the Gandhi familys stance on national security. The comments were made during the launch of the book Nehrus First Recruits, adding fuel to the ongoing political discourse.As the political debate rages on, the Congress party continues to distance itself from Aiyars remarks, focusing on clarifying its official position on the historical and recent events involving China.Mani Shankar Aiyars remarks on the 1962 Chinese invasion have created a significant political storm, with the BJP and Congress exchanging barbs over national security and historical narratives. As the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections approaches, this controversy underscores the heightened tensions and strategic manoeuvring characteristic of the current political climate in India.
