Political Update: Cong Clarifies Stance on Aiyar's China Remark

Congress Clarifies Stance on Aiyar's China Remark; Kartavya Path for Oath Ceremony if NDA Wins

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Congress Leader Distances Party from Aiyar's China Comment

On Wednesday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh distanced his party from comments made by Mani Shankar Aiyar about China. Ramesh clarified that Aiyar, a former union minister, made the remarks in his "personal capacity." During an event on Tuesday, Aiyar sparked controversy by saying that in October 1962, the Chinese "allegedly invaded India." This statement led to significant backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), prompting Congress to distance itself from Aiyar's words. Ramesh mentioned that Aiyar has since "apologised unreservedly" for his comments. Speaking to ANI, Ramesh emphasized, "Who is Mani Shankar Aiyar? He is not an official; he is a former MP and a former minister. He speaks in his personal capacity."

NDA Plans Oath-Taking Ceremony for June 9 if Re-Elected

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is considering an oath-taking ceremony on June 9 if it wins a third term in the ongoing general elections, according to two sources. The tentative plans for the event have been prepared over the past month. The Lok Sabha election results will be announced on June 4. In 2014, the NDA government took the oath on May 26, a Monday, after results were declared on May 16. In 2019, the government took the oath on May 30, a Thursday, following the results on May 23. Both ceremonies were held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.