Political Slugfest Begins on Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'Rajiv Gandhi Failed Twice...' Remark, Congress-BJP Trade Charges

Former MP and Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has once again triggered a political storm with his controversial statement. In a recent interview, Aiyar questioned the educational qualifications of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, claiming that he had failed twice—once at Cambridge University and later at Imperial College London.

The BJP has seized upon this remark, launching sharp attacks on the Congress leadership. Prominent BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya, Sambit Patra, and Sudhanshu Trivedi, have taken to social media to corner Congress over Aiyar’s statement. As the controversy escalates, political circles are abuzz, and social media is flooded with reactions.

Congress Under Pressure as BJP Intensifies Attacks

Mani Shankar Aiyar’s latest remarks have put the Congress party in a difficult position. The statement has reportedly caused unrest within the party, with discussions underway at 10 Janpath, the residence of Sonia Gandhi. Aiyar's claim that Rajiv Gandhi failed twice in college has raised eyebrows, even within Congress ranks. 

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Rajiv Gandhi struggled academically, even failing at Cambridge, where passing is relatively easy. He then moved to Imperial College London but failed there as well…

Many questioned how someone with his academic record could become the Prime Minister.

Let the veil be stripped. pic.twitter.com/m9serSGQMs

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 5, 2025

BJP has taken full advantage of this statement and is now attacking the Congress leadership. Several leaders, including Amit Malviya, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Radhika Khera, and Sambit Patra, have raised tough questions against the Congress high command. Through this controversy, BJP is also targeting Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra.

Will Mani Shankar Aiyar Damage Congress Again?

Mani Shankar Aiyar’s statements have previously caused major setbacks for the Congress party. The 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections are a key example. During that election, Congress was in a strong position, but Aiyar’s infamous remark calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ‘lowly person’ triggered a massive backlash. The BJP capitalised on the comment, turning it into a major election issue. As a result, Congress's momentum was disrupted, and BJP secured 99 seats while Congress was limited to 77.

Even after that, Aiyar has continued to make remarks that have embarrassed the party. In an earlier interview with The Lallantop, he indirectly criticised the Congress leadership, further deepening the party’s internal troubles.