New Delhi: Following a row over Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's statement on Pakistan, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday reacted by raising doubts over whether the neighbouring country really has an atom bomb. Speaking to news agency ANI, he remarked, "He says Pakistan has an atom bomb, but I doubt if that bomb is in the right condition or not. The country that does not have money to buy food grain, will they have an atom bomb? I doubt."
Congress Leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Questions BJP Over Mani Shankar Aiyar's Remark Row
Earlier, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Friday hits back at the BJP on the row over Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks. She asked, "Why is Pakistan being discussed when elections are taking place in India and the unemployment rate here is at a 45-year high", reported PTI.
She also asked the ruling party to address real issues instead of resorting to Hindu-Muslim rhetoric for electoral gains. She criticised the BJP's strategy, emphasising that voters prioritise issues over religious and caste-based politics, signaling a call for political evolution beyond divisive narratives.
Priyanka questioned the timing of the discussion surrounding Congress leader Aiyar's remarks, pointing out that the statement is old. She said, "I ask when was the statement made? … If it is an old statement, then why are we discussing it today? Secondly, I want to ask, where are elections taking place, in India or in Pakistan? They are taking place in India. So why are we discussing Pakistan?".
She spoke on the matter during her campaign trail in Amethi for the party's candidate Kishori Lal Sharma. Priyanka Gandhi further questioned unemployment rates soaring to their highest levels in 45 years and inflation rendering basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.
"If they (people) have to get treatment done, they feel worried. Why is this not being talked about? Farmers are suffering, unable to earn, everything has become expensive, from diesel to farming materials. Why is this not being discussed? Why are labourers being exploited and do not get enough wages?" she asked.
Aiyar's recent comments regarding Pakistan ignited a heated debate on Friday, prompting his own party to swiftly distance itself from his statements. Meanwhile, the BJP seized upon Aiyar's remarks, accusing the grand old party of being an apologist for Pakistan and the terrorism emanating from its soil.
Aiyar said the video was old and dredged up now as the BJP's election campaign is faltering. In comments that have gone viral on social media, Aiyar is heard saying that India should give respect to Pakistan as it is a sovereign nation and engage with it as it also possesses an atom bomb.