NEW DELHI: A controversy broke out over Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks on succession in the Mughal dynasty though he seemed to have used the reference only to contrast it with democratic procedures in the Congress.
Asked about criticism that Rahul Gandhi's elevation as party chief was a "selection" and not an "election", Aiyar said: "When Shahjahan came in the place of Jahangir, did any election happen? And when Aurangzeb came in place of Shahjahan, did any election happen? It was known to everyone that the king's throne will automatically go to the heir (unless there's a fight)".
He added, "But in a democracy, elections are held. I openly invite Poonawalla (a dissident) to file the nomination and contest." Shehzad Poonawalla has alleged the election for Congress president was a sham and orchestrated.
Later, Aiyar clarified: "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."
But with TV reports flashing only part of his comments, PM Narendra Modi used the remarks to attack Rahul at a rally in Gujarat.
"I congratulate Congress on their 'Aurangzeb Raj'. For us, the well-being of people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command," Modi said, adding that the comments made it clear that Congress was a clan. Previously, Modi and BJP have used Aiyar's jibes at the PM's "chaiwala origins" to the hilt in rallies. But this time, Aiyar seems to have been misquoted or partially quoted.
At an election rally in Gujarat last week, the PM had said, "It's better to be a tea seller than to sell the nation." Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala had replied that Modi was "suffering from Rahul Gandhi phobia".
Asked about criticism that Rahul Gandhi's elevation as party chief was a "selection" and not an "election", Aiyar said: "When Shahjahan came in the place of Jahangir, did any election happen? And when Aurangzeb came in place of Shahjahan, did any election happen? It was known to everyone that the king's throne will automatically go to the heir (unless there's a fight)".
He added, "But in a democracy, elections are held. I openly invite Poonawalla (a dissident) to file the nomination and contest." Shehzad Poonawalla has alleged the election for Congress president was a sham and orchestrated.
Later, Aiyar clarified: "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."
But with TV reports flashing only part of his comments, PM Narendra Modi used the remarks to attack Rahul at a rally in Gujarat.
"I congratulate Congress on their 'Aurangzeb Raj'. For us, the well-being of people matters and 125 crore Indians are our high command," Modi said, adding that the comments made it clear that Congress was a clan. Previously, Modi and BJP have used Aiyar's jibes at the PM's "chaiwala origins" to the hilt in rallies. But this time, Aiyar seems to have been misquoted or partially quoted.
At an election rally in Gujarat last week, the PM had said, "It's better to be a tea seller than to sell the nation." Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala had replied that Modi was "suffering from Rahul Gandhi phobia".
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