Mani Shankar Aiyar calls Rajiv Gandhi "two-time failure", sparks controversy

Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has ignited a fresh political debate by describing former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi as a "two-time failure" in academics, first at Cambridge University and later at Imperial College London.

His remarks have not only embarrassed his own party but have also provided the BJP with fresh ammunition to target the Congress.

In a widely circulated video shared by BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, Aiyar is heard expressing surprise at Rajiv Gandhi’s rise to power: "I was very surprised when he became Prime Minister. I thought, he is an airline pilot who failed at Cambridge. It is very difficult to fail at Cambridge because the university ensures that everyone at least passes to maintain its reputation. But Rajiv Gandhi failed. Then he went to Imperial College and failed there too. So I wondered, how could such a person become Prime Minister?"

Aiyar’s comments have sparked outrage within the Congress, with several party members accusing him of damaging the party's reputation. Some leaders have even suggested that he is acting as a "sleeper cell" for the BJP, deliberately making statements that align with the ruling party's political narrative.

Reacting to the controversy, Congress MP Tariq Anwar downplayed Aiyar’s remarks, emphasising that academic failure does not determine political success.

"Failing is not a big deal; even the best people fail sometimes. But Rajiv Gandhi did not fail in politics. He was highly successful as Prime Minister. He introduced Panchayati Raj, brought the IT revolution, improved communication, and promoted scientific progress. Very few Prime Ministers have achieved so much in just five years," Anwar stated.

Meanwhile, Congress national spokesperson Charan Singh Sapra strongly criticised Aiyar for repeatedly making statements that tarnish the party’s image. "For years, his remarks have only harmed Congress. He seems to be echoing the BJP’s narrative, raising questions about his loyalty. His statements suggest he is working as a tool for the BJP to spread propaganda," Sapra alleged.

This is not the first time Aiyar has stirred controversy within the Congress.

Over the years, he has made several remarks that have put him at odds with the party leadership. Ironically, Aiyar was a close associate of Rajiv Gandhi during his early years in politics and has often credited the Gandhi family for both "making and ending" his political career.