“I Am Nehruvian, Not Rahulvian”: Mani Shankar Aiyar Calls KC Venugopal ‘Rowdy’ Amid Party Isolation

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar is increasingly finding himself isolated within his own party. Several Congress leaders have reportedly refused to recognize him as a party member. In response, Aiyar fired back, calling KC Venugopal “rowdy” while describing himself as Nehruvian, Gandhian, and Rajivian—but explicitly rejecting the label of “Rahulvian.”

Aiyar Clashes with Party Leaders

The controversy stems from Aiyar’s long history of making provocative statements. After predicting a comeback for the Left Front in the Kerala Assembly elections, Kerala Congress leader Pawan Khera announced that Aiyar’s relationship with the party was effectively over, attributing his statements to old age. Khera warned that such remarks provide easy ammunition for political opponents. Other Congress leaders, including Ramesh Chennithala and Udit Raj, publicly criticized Aiyar, with some refusing to even acknowledge him as a party member.

‘Rowdy’ KC Venugopal and the Party’s State

Aiyar responded sharply. He labeled Khera as a rehearsed spokesperson and described party general secretary KC Venugopal as “rowdy.” He questioned how a party could elevate someone like Venugopal to the stature of leaders such as Sardar Patel or Rahul Gandhi. Citing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s biography A Part Apart, Aiyar stated that while Rahul Gandhi remains a party member, he personally identifies as Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajivian—not Rahulvian.

Party Response and Aiyar’s Retort

Commenting on Aiyar’s statements, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said he did not understand why such remarks were made. The All India Congress Committee clarified that Aiyar is no longer considered part of the party, describing him as an independent-minded senior whose statements could be dismissed as those of a “grumpy old uncle.”

Aiyar, however, hit back, saying, “I am not Malayali, nor am I a voter of Kerala. Why should I be questioned about Ramesh Chennithala’s assessment of me? He has lost elections twice and has no right to comment on my status. Removing me from the party is not Chennithala’s job—it is Mallikarjun Kharge’s responsibility. To my knowledge, the Congress president has not sent me any letter about expulsion.”

This episode underscores the growing friction between senior Congress leaders and the party establishment, highlighting ongoing internal tensions ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.