Congress, which is trying to give the message of unity and discipline before the elections, is once again facing an uncomfortable situation. senior leader Mani Shankar Iyer The latest statements have become the cause of intense debate in political circles. From his comments on Brahminism, Thakurism and Hindutva to questions on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. The matter is continuously gaining momentum.
While talking to IANS, Iyer spoke openly about his birth and identity. He said, ‘Can I join them? Because I was born in a Brahmin family. No one asked me to become a Brahmin but I am a Brahmin by birth. I do not wear sacred thread. After becoming an adult, I never did Sandhyavandan. I spent most of my childhood holidays in the Shivananda Ashram, which made me a critic of Hindu practices, not Hindu philosophy.
What did Iyer say on Hindutva?
Iyer clearly said that he is a strong critic of Hindutva. According to him, ‘I see Hindutva as a distortion of Hinduism and misuse of a great religion. But accusing me of being a Brahmin is like accusing Pinarayi (Vijayan) of being associated with BJP.
On ‘Thakurism’ he said, ‘I don’t know what they mean by ‘Thakurism’. If his intention is against Zamindari and feudal forces, then I am completely with him… If my interpretation is correct, then I am ready to say, down with Brahminism and down with Thakurism.
Why agree on Yogi Adityanath?
Iyer also partially agreed with a statement by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He said, ‘This is the only thing with which I agree 100 percent. I live in Delhi and it is surprising that my lungs are still functioning. He is right on this issue, but this is the only thing he has said right. He added sarcastically, ‘If you want to live in UP, you have to say ‘Yogi-Yogi’.’ Later it was clarified that he was not talking about politics but about the pollution of Delhi. ‘I am not talking about politics, but about the weather.’
Are questions raised on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership?
The controversy escalated further when Aiyar said, ‘I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian.’ This was considered a direct attack on the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. While talking to ANI, he also made a scathing attack on Congress spokesperson Pawan Kheda. He said, “I have no respect for Pawan Kheda at all… He is not a spokesperson, he is just a parrot.” Also added, “If Pawan Kheda is going to throw me out, I will happily kick him from behind after going out.”
What did Congress say?
Pawan Kheda, reacting on social media, said, “Mani Shankar Aiyar has not had any connection with the Congress party for the last few years. Whatever he speaks or writes, he does it entirely in his personal capacity. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also made it clear that the party has full faith in the UDF in Kerala and the public will give it another chance for responsible governance.
How did the controversy start?
During an event in Kerala, Aiyar had told Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ‘I should fall at your feet and request you to take up the responsibility which the Congress has left.’ He later clarified that “half a line” of his speech was exaggerated. Speaking to PTI, he said, “As a Congressman, I want the UDF to win… but I think they can get another term.”
Has Iyer been in controversies before?
This is not the first time that Congress has been uncomfortable with Iyer’s statement. In 2014, he had said about Narendra Modi, ‘This tea seller should come here and serve tea.’ In 2017, he had called him a “vile man”, which sparked a huge controversy. His comment about Rajiv Gandhi in 2022 – that he failed in Cambridge and Imperial College. Was also in discussion.
What does BJP have to say?
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said that these incidents show lack of confidence in Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and described him as a ‘non-performing asset’. Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai also alleged an internal understanding between the Congress and the Left parties.
Will the challenge increase for Congress?
In an election environment, such statements give the opposition an opportunity to attack. The challenge before the Congress now is how to handle internal differences and public controversies. In the coming times, it will be important to see how the party comes out of this political storm.
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