Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 18: Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday took a swipe at the Congress following senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s “not a Rahulian” remarks, stating that the party has steadily declined under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.
Reacting to Aiyar’s statement that he is “a Gandhian, a Nehruvian, a Rajivian, but not a Rahulian,” Rijiju said the Congress, once led by mature leaders, has now become like Rahul Gandhi, with those around him following suit. He expressed surprise that the party continues with the same leadership despite suffering three consecutive electoral defeats.
“Congress had strong leaders who used to have maturity in their speech and work. Slowly, though, Congress has become like Rahul Gandhi, and those who revolve around him have also become like him. We could not have imagined Congress becoming like this: continuing the same leader even after losing three times in a row. A BJP leader would not remain a leader after losing three times,” Rijiju said in an interview.
The remarks come amid a political row triggered by Aiyar’s comments on the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Aiyar predicted a return to power for the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, despite expressing his personal preference for a United Democratic Front (UDF) victory.
“As a Congressman, I want the UDF to come to power. As a Gandhian, I’m telling the truth that after the brilliant achievements of the Pinarayi government, the Left government is bound to come to power,” Aiyar said.
He further described the Kerala electorate as “the most intelligent and the most independent-thinking” in India, reiterating that while he wishes for a UDF win, he sees the LDF returning to power.
Aiyar’s remarks sparked controversy, with the Congress distancing itself from his statement and asserting that he is no longer part of the party.
Responding to this, Aiyar said Rahul Gandhi has “forgotten” that he remains a member of the party. “I am a Gandhian. I am a Nehruvian. I am a Rajivian, but I’m not a Rahulian,” he said.
Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal termed Aiyar’s comments as his “personal opinion” and clarified that they do not reflect the party’s official stand.
“His statement that the Pinarayi government will continue in Kerala is a personal opinion. It is not the party’s view. Mani Shankar Aiyar is not currently in the Congress party,” Venugopal told reporters.