Mani Shankar Aiyar Uses Mughal Example to Defend Rahul's Elevation, Plays Into PM's Hands

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar landed in controversy on Monday when he invoked rulers of the Mughal dynasty to defend Rahul Gandhi’s elevation as party chief.

Rahul Gandhi filed the nomination papers for party presidency and was likely to be elected unopposed, invoking “dynasty” jibes form the BJP.

Hitting back at BJP leaders, Aiyar said: “When Shah Jahan came in the place of Jahangir did any election happen? And when Aurangzeb came in place of Shah Jahan did any election happen? It was known to everyone that the throne of the king will automatically go to the heir."

"But in a democracy elections are held. I openly invite Poonawalla to file the nomination and contest," Aiyar said, referring to the rebellion by Maharashtra Congress leader Shehzad Poonawalla.

Aiyar later sought to clarify, saying the comparisons should not be made. “Don't compare both. During Mughal rule it was understood that after Jehangir, Shahjahan will be the leader but here anyone is free to contest against Rahul Gandhi. It's a totally democratic process.”

The damage, however, was done, with PM Modi using Aiyar’s remarks to attack Rahul Gandhi at an election rally in Gujarat.

Addressing a public meeting in Dharampur constituency, Modi said: "Mani Shankar Aiyar, who never shies away from showing loyalty to one family, proudly said — When Shah Jahan came in the place of Jahangir did any elections happen? And when Aurangzeb came in place of Shah Jahan did any election happen? It was known to everyone that the throne of the king will automatically go the son," Modi said.

"I congratulate the Congress on their 'Aurangzeb Raj’. For us, the well-being of the people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command," he said.

This is perhaps the second time the PM has used one of Aiyar’s remarks to his advantage after the latter’s ‘chaiwala’ jibe in the run-up to the 2014 elections.

Aiyar had at an AICC meeting in January 2014 said, “He (Modi) can only sell tea.”

The BJP latched onto the comment during campaigning, stressing on Modi’s “humble roots”.

(With IANS inputs)