Congress in Turmoil as Mani Shankar Aiyar's Remarks Ignite Leadership Crisis
In a recurring pattern of internal discord, the Congress party found itself embroiled in controversy once again as veteran leader Mani Shankar Aiyar launched a sharp verbal assault on the party's leadership. This incident unfolded just as the party was striving to project a united front ahead of crucial elections, highlighting persistent disciplinary challenges.
Aiyar's Provocative Statements and Party's Swift Damage Control
On Monday, Congress was forced into immediate damage control after Aiyar, in an interview with ANI, dismissed the authority of the current leadership. He boldly declared, "I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian." Invoking BR Ambedkar's concept of dissent as being "a part but apart," Aiyar positioned himself as an ideological insider with the right to rebel, but his tone quickly turned confrontational.
Targeting Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, Aiyar expressed "complete contempt" and labeled him a "parrot" rather than a spokesperson. He added provocatively, "If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside after I have left." Within hours, Congress moved to publicly distance itself from these remarks.
Congress Response and Kerala Election Context
Pawan Khera issued a statement on social media platform X, clarifying that Aiyar "has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years" and speaks purely in a personal capacity. Communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh reinforced the party's confidence in the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, asserting that the people would bring it back for responsible governance.
The controversy originated from Aiyar's remarks at a public event in Kerala on Sunday, where he praised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. He stated, "I must fall at your feet, CM Vijayan, and request you to pick up the baton that the Congress has dropped." For Congress, which is attempting to regain political ground in Kerala with Assembly elections imminent, this endorsement of a rival was particularly damaging.
Aiyar later claimed his comment was "half a line" blown out of proportion but maintained that the LDF government is doing outstanding work. He explained, "As a Congressman, I want the UDF to win. As a Gandhian, I am obliged to tell the truth... I think he is going to get another term."
Historical Pattern of Aiyar's Controversial Remarks
This is not an isolated incident; Aiyar has a history of making statements that embarrass the Congress party. Key examples include:
- In April 2014, he mocked then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as a "chaiwala," a remark leveraged by the BJP to craft a narrative of aspiration versus elitism.
- In December 2017, during the Gujarat Assembly elections, he referred to Modi as a "neech aadmi," which the BJP framed as an insult to Gujarati pride, leading to Aiyar's suspension.
- In 2022, he commented on Rajiv Gandhi's academic failures, reopening old wounds and drawing criticism from senior Congress leaders who labeled him "mentally unstable" or "crazy."
Despite these episodes, the party has often stopped short of a complete break, indicating a complex relationship with the veteran leader.
BJP Seizes Opportunity to Attack Rahul Gandhi's Leadership
Aiyar's latest remarks provided fresh ammunition for the BJP, which alleged a crisis of confidence in Rahul Gandhi's leadership. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla cited multiple developments, including:
- Aiyar's low confidence in Rahul Gandhi's ability to lead Congress to victory.
- The Trinamool Congress slogan in West Bengal calling for Rahul's removal.
- Reports of former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah leaving the party.
Poonawalla described Rahul Gandhi as a "non-performing asset" for the INDIA bloc, claiming that alliance partners like the Samajwadi Party and regional leaders are distancing themselves. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai linked Aiyar's remarks to ideological confusion within Congress, suggesting a tacit understanding with the Left in Kerala due to the BJP's rising influence.
Implications for Congress and Upcoming Elections
This incident underscores deeper issues within the Congress party as it navigates electoral challenges in Kerala and beyond. The repeated controversies involving Aiyar not only disrupt party unity but also provide opponents with leverage to question leadership and coherence. As elections approach, managing internal dissent and projecting a cohesive image will be critical for Congress's political fortunes.
