“In October 1962, the Chinese allegedly invaded India,” said Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar during a book event ‘Nehru’s First Recruits: The Diplomats Who Built Independent India’s Foreign Policy’ at Foreign Correspondent Club of South Asia, New Delhi.
“On the day, Tawang fell, the Foreign Service exams began in London. When it was over, newspapers used to make reference to me as being very left-wing, being a communist. I passed the foreign service exam, and I had done very well. I found I was not finding any kind of admission letter. So, I wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs, saying that I have not received the joining letter,” added Aiyar.
Notably, this news was first reported by Organiser Assistant Editor Ravi Mishra, who was also present at FCC during the book launch.
“Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar called 1962 — “China’s alleged invasion,” posted Ravi Mishra on his X account. Later, it was covered by other media houses.
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar called 1962 — “China’s alleged invasion” pic.twitter.com/cz1C4gcX5T
— Ravi Mishra (रवि ರವಿ রাবি) (@RaviMishra2029) May 28, 2024
— Ravi Mishra (रवि ರವಿ রাবি) (@RaviMishra2029) May 28, 2024
As this statement by Aiyar came 3 days before the 7th phase of Lok Sabha elections, Congress seemed to be on the back foot and the party had to give quick clarification.
“ Mani Shankar Aiyar has subequently apologised unreservedly for using the term “alleged invasion” mistakenly. Allowances must be made for his age. The INC distances itself from his original phraseology. The Chinese invasion of India that began on October 20, 1962 was for REAL,” said Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary in-charge Communications, Indian National Congress.
While reacting to this, Amit Malviya, the BJP’s IT cell chief, accused Aiyar of trying to “whitewash the Chinese invasion.”
“Nehru gave up India’s claim to a permanent seat at the UNSC in favour of the Chinese, Rahul Gandhi signed a secret MoU, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation accepted funds from the Chinese Embassy and published reports recommending market access for Chinese companies, based on them, Sonia Gandhi’s UPA opened up Indian market for Chinese goods, hurting MSMEs; and now Congress leader Aiyar wants to whitewash the Chinese invasion, post which the Chinese have been in illegal occupation of 38,000 sq km of Indian territory. What explains Congress’s love for the Chinese?,” posted Malviya on X.
Notably, this is not the first time that Aiyar has made such a statement. In a recent viral video, Aiyar warned Bharat to talk to Pakistan, as it has an atom bomb.
“They are also a sovereign country (Pakistan). They are a respected nation. You can talk tough with them (Pakistan). But start the dialogue. You are walking with a gun, which yields you nothing. Tensions are escalating. And if a mad person comes there, what will happen to the nation? They have an atom bomb. We also possess the atomic bomb. But if a mad person detonates our bomb at Lahore station, within eight seconds, eight moments, its radioactivity will reach Amritsar,” said Aiyar in an interview with ‘Chill Pill Mani Shankar Aiyar.
In November 2015, Aiyar created controversy by saying, during a panel discussion on a Pakistani news channel, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to be removed if talks between Bharat and Pakistan have to resume.
“The first and foremost thing is to remove Modi. Only then can the talks move forward. We have to wait for four more years,” said Aiyar.
