Mani Shankar Aiyar

Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024 | Last Update : 10:09 AM IST

BJP targets Aiyar ‘doubt’ on China invading India

BJP calls his comments an attack on the integrity of India and an insult to every soldier who had sacrificed their life for the nation

29 May 2024 11:19 PM

In addition to such symbols of fraternity as staying frequently with Muslim hosts, such as Dr. Ansari, and his companions from Khilafat days, the Maulana brothers Mohammed and Shaukat Ali and acting as a pallbearer when their remarkable mother, Bi-Amma, dies,he spent his last night before he famously picked up a fistful of salt mixed with mud to defy the colonial regime at the Dandi home of Shiraz Abdullahbhai. — By Arrangement

History & realpolitik, from the mouth of the Mahatma

The enduring theme of the Mahatma’s concerns is the imperative of Hindu-Muslim unity

30 Dec 2023 4:31 PM

Memoirs of a Maverick: The First 50 Years (1941-1991) By Mani Shankar Aiyar. (Image DC)

Politics, Pakistan were the two fatal attractions of Aiyar’s life

Do we really believe all Pakistanis are jihadis

24 Sep 2023 12:00 AM

Cover photo of 'Memoirs of a Maverick: The First Fifty Years' by Mani Shankar Aiyar. (Photo by arrangement)

Book Excerpt | Aiyar’s pink curiosities very nearly cost him his diplomatic career

Excerpt from Mani Shankar Aiyar’s 'Memoirs of a Maverick'

27 Aug 2023 12:05 AM

It is now up to Rahul Gandhi to nurture inner-party democracy by deferring to Mr Kharge as the leader and letting him run the party. (Representational Image)

Mohan Guruswamy | Dynastic politics in India: Long live our democracy!

Except for the CPI(M) and the BJP, every political party in India has a dynastic line of succession, or more aptly inheritance

20 Dec 2022 12:00 AM

Cover image of Tripurdaman Singh and Adeel Hussain's work 'Nehru: The Debates that Defined India'

Book Review | Account of Nehru’s vision well compiled, deficiently clarified

In the Introduction, the author-compilers say Nehru’s vaulting vision was in practice tempered by the 'more mundane world of politics'

26 Dec 2021 1:21 AM

Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar (Photo: PTI)

Mani Shankar Aiyar likens Kashmir to Palestine, stirs storm

“Wish you all on Id, specially my brothers and sisters in Kashmir who are under massive restrictions and troubles,” Ms Gandhi Vadra tweeted.

13 Aug 2019 5:54 AM

Congress president, senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar

A ‘non-Gandhi’ can be party chief, says Mani Shankar

Rahul had offered to quit as the party chief during the May 25 meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).

24 Jun 2019 9:54 AM

Aiyar cited several instances in the history of the party when people from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family were presidents of the party, from UN Dhebar to Brahmananda Reddy. (Photo: File)

Non-Gandhi can be Cong chief but Gandhi family must remain active: Mani Shankar Aiyar

The BJP's objective is to have a 'Gandhi-mukt Congress' so as to have a 'Congress-mukt Bharat', he claimed.

23 Jun 2019 6:35 PM

The prime minister has often targeted Gandhi, calling him "naamdar". (Photo: ANI twitter)

Cong task Mani Shankar Aiyar, Sam Pitroda to take poll defeat blame: Modi

Pitroda faced the wrath of Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his 'hua to hua' remarks on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

15 May 2019 3:07 PM

Then he raised his arms, waiving them about in an apparent imitation of PM Modi. (Photo: File)

Mani Shankar Aiyar abuses reporters, says PM Modi a ‘coward’

Aiyar lost his temper at TV reporters who questioned him over an article he wrote, recalling a slur he directed at PM in 2017.

15 May 2019 10:37 AM

Aiyar does it again, calls PM ‘most foul-mouthed’

Aiyar is no stranger to controversy. He infamously used the “chaiwala” remark in 2014 against Mr Modi.

15 May 2019 5:47 AM

Gandhi's message for leaders and political parties came on a day Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar was back in the news with an article justifying his "neech" jibe against Narendra Modi. (Photo: ANi twitter)

Let's fight brutally on ideology, not use hatred and violence: Rahul

His remarks come after an acrimonious exchange between political parties and leaders throughout the election campaign.

14 May 2019 4:27 PM

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Tuesday said that he stands by his 'neech aadmi' jibe against Narendra Modi. (Photo: File)

'Main ullu nahi hoon': Mani Shankar stands by 'neech aadmi' jibe for PM

In the run-up to 2017 Gujarat Assembly polls, Aiyar had referred Modi as 'neech aadmi', a remark that cost his party heavily in the state.

14 May 2019 11:47 AM

Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath (Photo: PTI)

Of Kamal Nath’s temple visits & Aiyar’s silence

Senior BJP leaders and workers have failed to observe the solemnity of the occasion.

26 Aug 2018 12:09 AM

Mani Shankar Aiyar was suspended from the primary membership of the Congress on December 7, 2017 for his 'neech aadmi' remarks against PM Modi on the eve of the Gujarat Assembly polls. (Photo: File | PTI)

Rahul Gandhi says I'm love and now his love Mani Shankar Aiyar is back: BJP

Rahul Gandhi revoked Mani Shankar Aiyar's suspension from Congress on Saturday on the recommendation of its central disciplinary committee.

20 Aug 2018 11:30 AM

Aiyar served as Union Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the first tenure of United Progressive Alliance in 2004. (Photo: File)

Never thought CM who compared Muslims with puppy can be PM: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Aiyar was suspended from primary membership of Congress in December 2017 after his 'neech' remark for PM Modi courted a major controversy.

11 Aug 2018 5:06 PM

Sedition case plea against Mani Shankar Aiyar transferred

Due to the the magistrate’s absense, the hearing has now been deferred to May 4.

08 Apr 2018 6:16 AM

Mani Shankar Aiyar says ‘I love Pakistan’, Congress MP wants him sacked

Remark amid India, Pak standoff over attack on Army, CRPF camp.

14 Feb 2018 1:12 AM

The comment by Aiyar came two days after Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists attacked an Army camp in Jammu. (Photo: PTI)

Rahul must expel Aiyar from Cong for his Pak remark: Cong leader

In a latest, Aiyar said that Pak wants cordial relations with India, but India is 'still caught in a partially 1947 situation'.

13 Feb 2018 6:35 PM

BJP draws mileage from pakoda remark, Opposition jibe

Both the leaders aired their views while participating in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on President’s address in the Lok Sabha.

07 Feb 2018 3:05 AM

The BJP questioned Rahul Gandhi's "silence" on Divya Spandana's comments. (Photo: PTI)

BJP questions Rahul’s silence over Cong leader’s ‘POT’ jibe at PM

Divya's swipe came after Modi's comment in a rally where he said farmers are his top priority; described 'TOP' as tomato, onion and potato.

05 Feb 2018 9:26 AM

His tweet came after Modi, in a recent interview to a television channel, reportedly said, 'If a person selling pakodas (snacks) earns Rs 200 at the end of the day, will it be considered employment or not?' (Photo: PTI)

Hardik hits out at Modi, says only ‘chaiwala’ can advise youth to sell ‘pakodas’

Modi has often been targeted over his humble 'tea seller' background, which he invariably used as a stick to beat his rivals with.

23 Jan 2018 1:15 PM

We’re a nation of gullible people... But how long?

The grim bunch clapped in joy and carried Santa on their shoulders to their village head’s throne.

29 Dec 2017 1:25 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: PTI/File)

New Cong pill: Ignoring Muslims is in their interest!

Hindutva is also handicapped in rural areas by the continued prevalence of caste identities.

22 Dec 2017 1:00 AM

Regarding Himachal Pradesh's result, the NC president said it was nothing new for the state as it was a regular pattern there. (Photo: File)

Congress lost elections due to ‘neech’ remark against PM: Farooq Abdullah

In Gujarat, the BJP won the election for the 182-member assembly with a clear majority of 99 seats.

19 Dec 2017 1:13 PM

Rahul Gandhi was unanimously named for the post of the Congress president on Monday after no one else from his party challenged him in the internal election. (Photo: AP)

New face of Congress: Rahul Gandhi takes charge as party president

Rahul Gandhi took over the Congress baton from his mother Sonia Gandhi who served as the party chief for 19 years.

16 Dec 2017 9:27 AM

Since August 1947, three prominent Indians have worn the hair-shirt of Indo-Pakistan amity.

The games people play in politics

To sane Pakistanis and Indians, the recent deterioration in Indo-Pakistan relations is a cause for genuine concern.

15 Dec 2017 2:30 AM

Earlier on December 11, Manmohan Singh quashed the accusation about the former's clandestine meeting with Pakistani officials, and expressed 'anguish' at 'the canards being spread'. (Photo: PTI | File)

BJP leader requests NIA to file FIR against Cong leaders meeting with Pak diplomats

BJP leader added that meeting took place in secretive manner with secret agenda, which is purely 'anti-national' in its original character.

14 Dec 2017 7:50 AM

'One mushroom costs Rs 80,000, and he eats five mushrooms a day. That is why I wonder how he turned so fair. He was as dark as me,' Thakor said. (Photo: File | Facebook)

Mushrooms, the secret to Modi’s fairness: Alpesh Thakor

Thakor's claim that complexion of Modi has turned fair because he eats mushrooms imported from Taiwan that cost Rs 80,000 per piece.

13 Dec 2017 10:25 AM

BJP & Pak: A dinner and its political fallout

The government’s snoopers could not have known the details of what was talked about at the party.

13 Dec 2017 1:58 AM

Some Nepal lessons for India’s Left, others too

Indians will get their chance in 2019 regardless of the outcome of the Gujarat elections.

13 Dec 2017 1:56 AM

'Modi has levelled a serious charge that Pakistan is interfering in Gujarat polls. We can understand the worries of Modi but a PM is supposed to take action and not level allegations,' the Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'. (Photo: PTI)

'Impious' bid to win Gujarat polls: Sena slams Modi over Pak interference jibe

Why are charges levelled only in rallies? If Pak is interfering, let the Army enter that country and take action, the Sena suggested.

12 Dec 2017 7:24 PM

PM Modi’s comments have led to a huge political row since it is common for diplomats stationed in New Delhi and visiting dignitaries to attend social events, including private dinners. (Photo: PTI)

Pak to India: Don’t drag us into your poll debates

Senior BJP leader and Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned the ‘unwarranted’ statement by Pak.

12 Dec 2017 2:10 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is felicitated at a rally in Surendranagar, Gujarat. (Photo: PTI)

In desperate gamble, PM links Pak to Gujarat polls

Common protocol required that the Pakistan high commissioner be invited to the dinner.

12 Dec 2017 1:26 AM

While addressing an election rally in Gujarat’s Palanpur on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised questions over an alleged appeal by former director-general of Pakistan army, Sardar Arshad Rafiq, on making senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel the chief minister of Gujarat. (Photo: PTI | File)

Don’t drag us into your elections: Pak on Modi accusing Cong of collusion

Pak said India should win on own strength rather than fabricated conspiracies, which are utterly baseless and irresponsible.

11 Dec 2017 12:51 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally in Sanand. (Photo: PTI)

Pakistan trying to fix Gujarat polls, says Modi

PM accuses Cong of being in cahoots with Pak; Cong says PM relying on ‘rumours’.

11 Dec 2017 4:05 AM

Modi had on Friday accused Aiyar of giving 'supari' (contract) while on a visit to Pakistan to get him 'removed' from the way to ensure peace between India and the neighbouring country. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

Pak interfering in Guj polls; its officials met Manmohan, Aiyar: Modi

Modi added that Rafiq had backed Ahmed Patel as the next chief minister of Gujarat.

10 Dec 2017 2:54 PM

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi during a visit to the Swaminarayan temple at Gadhada in Gujarat’s Botad. (Photo: PTI)

Rahul 2.0: His challenge is to make people accept Congress

News of Rahul Gandhi 2.0, a refurbished version of the once reluctant politician, has been most prominent in the public eye in 2017.

10 Dec 2017 6:06 AM

A campaign of slurs and fears

The word Modi itself means an individual who runs the neighbourhood store, and it has the same meaning as the name Gandhi.

10 Dec 2017 12:17 AM

Aiyar was wrong, and got what he deserved

The Congress fears a possible negative electoral fallout of the unbecoming language Mr Aiyar used.

09 Dec 2017 1:48 AM

Modi: Did Mani Shankar Aiyar offer supari on me in Pak?

Gandhi also accused the BJP of not outlining its plans for Gujarat by not releasing a manifesto.

09 Dec 2017 1:31 AM

Union minister of state for human resource development and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha. (Photo: PTI)

No ‘if and but’; BJP will win Guj poll: Kushwaha

Mr Kushwaha’s RLSP is an ally of the BJP in the NDA coalition at the Centre as well in Bihar.

09 Dec 2017 1:15 AM

Ready for punishment, says Mani Shankar Aiyar

The former Union minister said that the Congress is doing well in Gujarat under the leadership of the Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

09 Dec 2017 12:54 AM

'What is my crime? This country's people have elected me in a democratic way, and you go to Pakistan and say that this man is coming in the way and remove him!' Modi said. (Photo: ANI | File)

Mani Shankar Aiyar had gone to Pakistan to give my 'supari', alleges Modi

Modi also alleges that Congress believes in -'atkana' (to stall) 'latkana' (to keep the issue hanging) and 'bhatkana' (to divert an issue).

08 Dec 2017 7:09 PM

In Pak, Mani Shankar Aiyar said I should be removed as PM: Modi

'What did he mean by removing me from the way? And what is my crime? That I have blessings of the people?' PM asks.

08 Dec 2017 3:41 PM

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'neech' attack at the Prime Minister was deliberate casteist statement.

Aiyar's suspension from Cong over 'neech' remark 'strategic': Jaitley

Jaitley lashes out at Aiyar, saying his remark displays the mindset that 'only one elite family' can rule this country.

08 Dec 2017 9:22 AM

Mani Shankar Aiyar embarrasses Congress again

Swords come out in BJP over leader’s jibe against Modi.

08 Dec 2017 3:23 AM

Congress suspends Aiyar over 'neech aadmi' remark against Modi

Rahul first asks Mani Shankar to apologise and then suspends him.

07 Dec 2017 9:39 PM

'He (Modi) is 'neech kism ka aadmi' (a vile man) who has no 'sabhyata' (civility),' said Mani Shankar Aiyar, attacking Modi. (Photo: PTI | File)

Mani Shankar calls PM Modi ‘neech aadmi’; apologise, says Rahul Gandhi

Reacting to Aiyar's remark, Congress President-to-be Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asked the senior leader to apologise for what he had said.

07 Dec 2017 6:48 PM

Have fun, boys! It’s just politics

Delhi is famous for these parties when the host wants to show the rest how well he or she is networked with the new political dispensation.

20 Nov 2017 12:14 AM

Hurriyat leaders said Modi's message inflicted harm on tourism in J&K: Mani Shankar

The senior Congress leader further said that now he was more convinced that the situation in the Valley is extremely grave.

26 May 2017 2:18 PM

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