As India moves closer to crucial elections, political narratives are shifting rapidly. But this time, the controversy isn’t between the usual rivals—BJP and Congress—but within the Congress party itself.
Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, known for his unfiltered remarks, has stirred a political storm by questioning former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s academic credentials and his rise to power. His comments, amplified by BJP leaders, have led to a strong backlash from Ashok Gehlot, former Rajasthan CM, who called Aiyar a “sirfira” (crazy person).
For politically aware readers, analysts, and policymakers, this internal clash raises important strategic and governance-related questions about Congress’ leadership control, political messaging, and BJP’s counter-strategy.
What Did Mani Shankar Aiyar Say?
In a video clip shared by BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, Aiyar is heard saying:
“When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister, everyone wondered— I wondered— how could a person who was an airline pilot, and had failed twice, become the Prime Minister?”
Aiyar, who studied with Rajiv at Cambridge, claimed that Rajiv failed at Cambridge and later at Imperial College, London. He added that Cambridge rarely fails students, yet Rajiv didn’t pass, leading him to question how such a person led the country.
For political analysts and engaged citizens tracking governance, the timing of these remarks is significant—with elections approaching, the BJP is using this to question Congress’ internal leadership struggles.
Gehlot’s Counterattack: ‘Frustration ki Parakashtha’
Reacting strongly, Ashok Gehlot dismissed Aiyar’s comments as “the height of frustration”. Speaking to the media, he said:
“Only a crazy person can say such things about Rajiv Gandhi. When someone is so full of frustration, they don’t even understand what they are saying. Rajiv Gandhi gave India a new global identity and was a leader of vision.”
For policymakers and political strategists, this reflects Congress’ struggle to manage internal voices while preparing for elections.
Key Political Takeaways for Election Watchers
This controversy is more than just a verbal spat—it offers deeper insights into political narratives and strategies:
- BJP is amplifying Aiyar’s remarks to create rifts within Congress and shape public perception.
- Congress’ leadership appears divided, raising concerns about its internal discipline ahead of elections.
- For voters, this shifts attention from governance and economic policies to political controversies.
For political enthusiasts and digital-first news consumers, this incident highlights how history, leadership narratives, and media influence shape election narratives.
Bigger Question: Narrative Control vs Governance Priorities
While Congress fights internal battles, and BJP leverages these controversies, the larger public discourse on governance, economic policies, and election strategies remains sidelined.
For journalists, bureaucrats, and politically engaged citizens, this raises critical questions:
- Are internal party conflicts eroding Congress’ electoral credibility?
- How is BJP using digital media to dominate election narratives?
- Will voters prioritize leadership debates over policy discussions in 2026?
Final Thought: Congress’ Challenge in a High-Stakes Election Year
As elections approach, Congress needs clear messaging and internal discipline. While BJP capitalizes on every slip, Congress must focus on public engagement, policy narratives, and electoral strategy to stay relevant.
👉 What’s your take? Is this controversy shaping voter perception, or is it just another political distraction? Share your views in the comments!
