Understanding Mani Shankar Aiyar: Jairam Ramesh on 'China Invasion' Remark

"Who is Mani Shankar Aiyar?" questioned Jairam Ramesh regarding the 'China invasion' remark.

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar stirred controversy with his remarks about the alleged Chinese invasion of India in October 1962.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday distanced his party from Mani Shankar Aiyar's remark on China. Ramesh clarified that the former union minister made the remarks in his "personal capacity."

Mani Shankar Aiyar sparked a significant political controversy after stating during an event on Tuesday that in October 1962, the Chinese "allegedly invaded India." This remark prompted a strong backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading the Congress to distance itself from Aiyar's comments.

Jairam Ramesh, earlier in the day, mentioned that Aiyar has "subsequently apologized unreservedly" for his remarks.

Speaking to ANI, Ramesh stated, "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... Media, BJP's troll army, and social media keep circulating it. Today, he has nothing to do with the Congress party. He is associated with the Congress party but he is not even an MP; he is just a former MP," he added.

Jairam Ramesh also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks, including his statement about being "sent by God" and his comments regarding Mahatma Gandhi's recognition before the release of the movie "Gandhi" in 1982.

"The language used by PM Modi, the way he disparages Congress and INDIA bloc leaders, is concerning. He is spreading a pandemic of lies...now it seems he has even lost his mental balance. Elections are fought between people, yet he (PM Modi) is referring to himself as God...what kind of person is he, how can he be trusted," the Congress leader remarked.

"Today, he claimed that no one knew Mahatma Gandhi before 1982. The environment created by his party led to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Today, Godse is revered. Our current PM is aligned with the same ideology," he added.

Jairam Ramesh expressed confidence that the INDIA bloc will form the government in the country.

"It became evident after the first two phases that the INDIA bloc will secure a full majority...on June 4, the outgoing PM will step down. The INDIA bloc will then assume office and establish a stable, patient, and responsible government for the next five years," he stated.