Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has once again stirred controversy, providing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with fresh ammunition against the Congress. In a viral video clip, Aiyar suggested that India should "respect" Pakistan as a sovereign nation and engage with it due to its possession of nuclear weapons.
Aiyar cautioned that ignoring Pakistan's nuclear capabilities could lead to dire consequences, emphasising the need for India to recognise the potential threat. He warned against adopting a solely muscular approach towards Pakistan, highlighting the mutual possession of nuclear arms.
"They have atom bombs. We have them too, but if a 'madman' decides to drop a bomb on Lahore, it won't take eight seconds for the radiation to reach Amritsar," he warned. The statement was reportedly made in April. However, it went viral in May.
Reacting strongly to Aiyar's remarks, BJP leaders condemned his stance, accusing the Congress of being soft on Pakistan and terrorism. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticised the Congress for allegedly siding with Pakistan.
"Congress party has become an apologist for Pakistan and Pakistan-based terror. Today again there will be an attempt from Congress to distance themselves from Mani Shankar Aiyar," he said.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, "Congress leaders stay in India but their hearts reside in Pakistan. What courage does Pakistan have? India knows how to give a befitting reply."
However, the Congress swiftly distanced itself from Aiyar's comments, asserting that they were made in his personal capacity. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera emphasised that did not represent the Congress party's stance.
He said, "Indian National Congress dissociates itself completely from and disagrees totally with some remarks made by Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar few months back which have been revived today by the BJP in its attempt to deflect attention from Prime Minister Modi’s daily goof ups. Mr Aiyer does not speak for the party in any capacity whatsoever," said Khera.
