Mani Shankar Aiyar Launches Sharp Attack on Congress Leadership, Warns of Party’s “Destructive” Path

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has once again stirred controversy with his statements, this time taking aim at the party leadership. Aiyar criticized the current Congress leadership for being unable to handle dissent, calling it “destructive” for the main opposition party. He said that a party incapable of tolerating differing voices has no right to govern.

Revisiting Rajiv Gandhi’s 1989 Statement

Aiyar invoked a statement made by Rajiv Gandhi in 1989, urging Congress leadership to have Rahul Gandhi reiterate it: that only a secular India can endure, and if India ceases to be secular, it does not deserve to survive.

Aiyar’s Consistent Critique

The veteran leader has recently been making headlines for his candid remarks. Last Sunday, he praised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and suggested his potential return as CM, prompting Congress to disown his comments. On Tuesday, Aiyar posted a 23-minute video on his YouTube channel reflecting on how Congress historically respected dissent during the eras of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi.

Lessons from History

Aiyar pointed out that when dissent was suppressed—citing Indira Gandhi’s split from the party and the Emergency—the party suffered electoral defeats. He emphasized that dissent has been central to Congress’s strength: multiple voices contribute to its growth, just as different paths lead to the same spiritual goal.

He lamented that today’s Congress leaders have forgotten these lessons. Referencing leaders like Arif Mohammad Khan, V.P. Singh, and Arun Nehru, Aiyar noted that those who voiced dissent with honesty remained within the party’s political orbit, while those who acted dishonestly faced consequences.

Dissent as the Foundation of Democracy

Aiyar stressed, “If Congress’s current system cannot tolerate dissent, it is destructive for the party. Dissent is the foundation of democracy. If it cannot be met with humility and clarity, we have no right to govern.” He concluded his statement by invoking Rajiv Gandhi’s famous words, declaring, “Long live Rajiv Gandhi.”