In a blistering attack on senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has accused the grand old party of transforming into the ‘Islamabad National Congress’. The sharp retort came hours after Aiyar sparked outrage with his controversial remarks linking India’s political discourse to Pakistan’s capital.
Aiyar, known for his provocative statements, had earlier suggested that certain political narratives in India were echoing sentiments from Islamabad. Speaking at a public event, he implied that the ruling BJP was fostering an atmosphere reminiscent of Pakistan’s political rhetoric. The comments quickly drew widespread condemnation from BJP leaders, who viewed them as an affront to national pride.
Poonawalla, never one to mince words, took to social media to dismantle Aiyar’s narrative. ‘Congress has officially become the Islamabad National Congress,’ he posted, attaching screenshots of Aiyar’s speech. He further alleged that the Congress party’s consistent appeasement politics and reluctance to unequivocally support India’s stance on national security issues have aligned it more with Pakistan’s position than India’s.
The exchange highlights deepening rifts in India’s polarized political landscape. Congress has repeatedly faced accusations of soft-pedaling on Pakistan-related matters, from the Pulwama attack to cross-border terrorism. Poonawalla pointed to historical instances, including the party’s handling of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, to bolster his claim.
Defenders of Aiyar within Congress circles argue that his comments were taken out of context and aimed at critiquing domestic political strategies rather than endorsing foreign agendas. However, the BJP has seized the opportunity to portray Congress as anti-national, a charge the opposition has struggled to shake off in recent elections.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha polls approach, such verbal skirmishes are intensifying. Poonawalla’s counterpunch not only targets Aiyar but also serves as a broader indictment of Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, whom he accused of maintaining silence on the matter. The controversy underscores how personal barbs often escalate into full-blown ideological battles in Indian politics.
Political analysts suggest this episode could further erode Congress’s credibility on security issues, a domain where BJP holds a significant advantage. With social media amplifying every statement, leaders on both sides are walking a tightrope between bold rhetoric and electoral prudence.