Mani Shankar Aiyar’s Scathing Attack: Tharoor Eyes Foreign Minister Role, Khera Called a Puppet
Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has launched a sharp criticism against prominent figures within his own party. He made pointed remarks about Shashi Tharoor, Pawan Khera, and Jairam Ramesh. Aiyar also expressed pessimism about the Congress party’s prospects in the upcoming Kerala assembly elections.
Congress Faces Internal Division, Says Aiyar
According to an NDTV report, Mani Shankar Aiyar stated that the Congress party is unlikely to win the assembly elections in Kerala. He attributed this to deep-seated animosity among party leaders. “The Congress party leaders hate each other more than they hate the Communists,” Aiyar remarked. This significant statement follows recent praise from Aiyar for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Aiyar had previously predicted Vijayan’s continued leadership after the upcoming polls.
Pawan Khera Labeled a ‘Puppet’
The Congress party has publicly distanced itself from Aiyar’s comments. Party leader Pawan Khera stated that Aiyar’s views are personal and do not represent the Congress. In response, Aiyar referred to Khera as a “puppet.” He questioned the party’s reliance on Khera as a spokesperson. “He has been accusing me for the last two years,” Aiyar said. “If the Congress party doesn’t find any other spokesperson besides Pawan Khera, its condition will remain like this.”
Kerala Election Prospects Dim, Claims Aiyar
When asked about the Congress’s chances in Kerala, Aiyar reiterated his concerns. “I want Congress to win, but I don’t think it will happen because the Congress leaders are divided,” he stated. He emphasized the internal conflicts within the party, suggesting they overshadow external political challenges.
Tharoor’s Ambitions and Ramesh’s Position Questioned
Aiyar also directed criticism towards Shashi Tharoor, the four-time Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram. Aiyar described Tharoor as “anti-Pakistan.” He further alleged that Tharoor harbors aspirations of becoming the “next Foreign Minister.” Additionally, Aiyar suggested that Jairam Ramesh, the Congress’s communication chief, needs to focus on securing his own position within the party.
