Mani Shankar Aiyar Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Rajiv Gandhi's Academic Record

The Congress veteran's comments on the late Prime Minister's education spark reactions from political leaders and provide fodder for BJP criticism.

Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks about Rajiv Gandhi's academic failures at Cambridge and Imperial College have drawn widespread criticism from within Congress and the BJP.
Aiyar stated in an interview that he was initially surprised by Rajiv Gandhi becoming Prime Minister but later described him as an excellent leader.
The BJP has used Aiyar's comments to target Congress, while Congress leaders have labeled Aiyar as 'irrelevant' and accused him of damaging the party's image.
Congress figures defended Rajiv Gandhi's legacy, highlighting his contributions to India's IT revolution, Panchayati Raj, and economic liberalization.
Aiyar acknowledged that his remarks could be misused politically and expressed relief that Congress had clarified his views do not represent the party's stance.