New Delhi: Mani Shankar Aiyar is not on bad terms with the Gandhis, but in a candid interview with YouTube channel The Ewer (Chill-Pill), the Congress veteran revealed his surprise when Rajiv Gandhi became India’s prime minister despite having failed twice while studying in the UK. He also spoke about Rahul Gandhi’s apparent indifference towards him despite his willingness to mentor him for the past 20 years.

Fully aware of the controversy his latest interview would stir, former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar expressed relief that the Congress leadership had already clarified that his views do not reflect the party’s stance.

Aiyar’s statements have frequently put the Congress in an awkward position, often providing the BJP with ammunition against the party.

Addressing this, Aiyar remarked, "I know that whatever I told you, it will be twisted and used by the BJP. They can do that, and I am relieved that (Congress communications head) Pawan Khera has already given me a certificate that I don't represent the Congress in any manner whatsoever. You show everything I have told you. If someone wants to twist it, let them."

Discussing his ties with the Gandhi family, Aiyar said, "The friendship continues. They don't see me as an enemy. But Rahul (Gandhi) thinks I am very old. And I take exception to this. I am not buddha (old). You find another reason why you don't want me in the party and don't want to consult me."

Replying to a question about whether he would be open to mentoring Rahul Gandhi and assisting in the Congress’s revival, the 83-year-old said, "I have been ready to mentor him for 20 years. He does not want it. He dislikes me. And who am I to impose my opinion on him?"

He added that he hoped some people would complain about him to Gandhi, prompting him to take note of his remarks.

When asked why he did not attempt to meet Rahul Gandhi and address any misunderstandings directly, Aiyar responded, "How will I meet him if he doesn't?"

He recalled a 2004 conversation with Rahul Gandhi regarding his security cover, during which his wife, Suneet Mani Aiyar, had advised Rahul not to listen to him.

"He (Rahul) replied, 'I would always listen to him because he is my father's friend and my father always listened to him.' And now he does not meet me. Neither him nor Priyanka (Gandhi Vadra). Sonia Gandhi's (health) condition is not good. But I cannot meet anyone. And why should I disturb them? Should I go and ask for an MP post?"

Viral Clip on Rajiv Gandhi’s academic setbacks

Aiyar's remarks about Rajiv Gandhi’s academic struggles have triggered fresh controversy, with the BJP seizing upon a short clip circulating online.

The footage captures Aiyar saying, "He is a pilot. He has failed twice. I was with him at Cambridge. He failed there. And failing in Cambridge is very difficult. It is easy to get a first-class. This is because the university wants to maintain its image and tries to ensure everyone at least passes. Then he went to Imperial College, London, and failed again. So I thought how can such a person be Prime Minister?"

However, the viral clip—taken from a two-and-a-half-hour interview aired on YouTube channel The Ewer (Chill-Pill)—does not provide full context.

Aiyar was responding to a question about Rahul Gandhi’s capability to lead the Congress.

He referenced Indira Gandhi, recalling how she was initially dismissed as "gungi gudiya" (mute doll) before becoming a powerful political figure.

He then spoke about Rajiv Gandhi’s academic setbacks and the initial skepticism over his appointment as Prime Minister, before concluding, "But I now say he was an excellent Prime Minister."

Aiyar, a longtime Gandhi family loyalist, also defended Sonia Gandhi, saying she overcame early criticism of being a "foreigner" to become a significant political force.

While he admitted he was unsure how Rahul Gandhi functioned or made decisions, he remarked, "But I know their family history. That tells me they may seem incapable initially, but a change comes when they face challenges and show their capability. So, we will see."

Despite Aiyar’s broader argument, the BJP has latched onto the isolated clip.

Sharing it, senior BJP leader Amit Malviya wrote, "Rajiv Gandhi struggled academically, even failing at Cambridge, where passing is relatively easy. He then moved to Imperial College London but failed there as well... Many questioned how someone with his academic record could become the Prime Minister. Let the veil be stripped."

Congress leaders, when approached for a response, dismissed Aiyar’s comments and instead launched personal attacks on him.

Party veteran Harish Rawat called Aiyar a "frustrated individual", asserting that Rajiv Gandhi had given India a modern outlook.

"He took concrete steps for the liberalisation of the economy as well. Unfortunately, a section of the party (Congress) did not stand with him, or else the country's history would have been something else," Rawat was quoted as saying by NDTV.