Mani Shankar Aiyar’s Controversial Remarks on 1962 China-India Conflict
Introduction
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has sparked a new political controversy by saying that China “allegedly invaded” India in 1962. This statement has drawn reactions from both his own party and the BJP. Aiyar later apologized for his “mistake,” but the incident has led to significant political debate.
The Controversial Statement
At an event at the Foreign Correspondents Club on May 28, 2024, Aiyar made the contentious remark while recounting an anecdote. He stated, “In October 1962, the Chinese allegedly invaded India.” This statement was made during the launch of the book Nehru’s First Recruits.
Apology and Reactions
- Aiyar’s Apology:
- Aiyar apologized “unreservedly” for his choice of words, acknowledging it was a mistake.
- He emphasized that allowances should be made for his age.
- Congress Party’s Response:
- Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that the party has distanced itself from Aiyar’s original phrasing.
- Ramesh noted Aiyar’s apology and suggested understanding his error due to his age.
- Ramesh also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly giving a “clean chit” to China for their incursions into India in May 2020.
BJP’s Reaction
- The BJP condemned Aiyar’s statement, labeling it a “brazen attempt at revisionism.”
- They criticized the Congress party for allowing such remarks to be made by their members.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the sensitive nature of historical conflicts and the impact of political statements. While Aiyar’s apology may help mitigate some backlash, the controversy underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding India’s historical and current relations with China.
References:
- Aiyar’s statement and apology at the Foreign Correspondents Club event.
- Reactions from Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Twitter.
- BJP’s criticism of Aiyar and the Congress party.
