In the midst of electoral fervour, an unexpected spotlight falls on an age-old debate: the delicate balance of diplomacy between India and Pakistan. Stirred by resurfaced comments from Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar advocating for dialogue with Pakistan. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday said that the old video of the Congress senior leader is being circulated to divert the attention of people from actual issues of the country during the crucial Lok Sabha elections.
When asked for a reaction to Aiyar’s remarks, Priyanka said, “First, I want to ask when the statement was made and why are we discussing it today. Where are the elections being held - India or Pakistan? India; then why are we discussing Pakistan?” adding, “ Why there is no discussion on unemployment reaching an all-time high in 45 years? Why is there no discussion on the rising inflation?”
"I believe the public is fed up and it has understood... you (BJP) try to turn every election into Hindu-Muslim, sometimes you ask for votes in the name of God... what nonsense is this? This is an election, you ask for votes based on the work you have done. How many elections do you want to win in the name of Hindu-Muslim? Elections decide the future of the country... what will happen in the next five years. The public is demanding that they don't want the elections to be fought on the basis of religion and caste, we want the elections to be fought on inflation, unemployment, and farmers' issues," Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told PTI.
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s ‘Respect Pakistan’ Remark Sparks Row
Aiyar’s interview resurfaced, wherein he urged India to engage Pakistan in dialogue, cautioning against escalating tensions given Pakistan’s possession of nuclear weapons. His remarks suggested that ‘disrespect’ towards Pakistan could provoke a nuclear response.
“You should talk to them. But instead, we are flexing our military might. And this is just increasing the tensions. And they have atom bombs. What happens if a 'madman' decided to launch bombs (at India),” he said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned Aiyar’s stance, calling it reflective of the Congress’s overarching “ideology” for India. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar, in an X post, criticised the grand old party’s purported support for and from Pakistan.
Priyanka Reacts To Rahul’s Candidature From Rae Bareli
Commenting on Rahul Gandhi’s decision not to contest from Amethi, Priyanka Gandhi said that both Amethi and Rae Bareli hold equal significance for the Congress party. She endorsed Kishori Lal Sharma as a suitable candidate for Amethi, praising his long-standing dedication to the constituency.
“Both the seats (Amethi and Raebareli) are equal for us, members of our family have worked on both seats for generations. Kishori Lal Sharma has worked here for 40 years, he is familiar with every village. I think no there candidate can be better than him for Amethi, I think he is like family to us. We see both the seats the same way,” she told PTI.
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