Mani Shankar Aiyar (File Photo) NEW DELHI: After Congress dissociated itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar following his prediction that the rival Left front will win in Kerala elections, the veteran hit back on Monday saying he remains with the party even as ‘friends of Rahul Gandhi’ have left for other parties. The issue flared up on Sunday when Aiyar, attending a function organised by Kerala govt, said Vijayan will return to power. Taking up cudgels on behalf of the Left, Aiyar had said in Thiruvananthapuram, “As a Congressman, I want UDF to win. As a Gandhian, I am obliged to tell the truth, irrespective of what I wish. I am not a voter in Kerala, but I think he (Kerala’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan) is going to get another term.” A stung Congress dissociated itself from Aiyar, with spokesman Pawan Khera saying Aiyar has been writing and speaking in personal capacity for past few years, and Khera’s post on X was corroborated by Jairam Ramesh. A day later, Aiyar got back with a bitter attack on Congress. “The Nehru-Gandhi family is built into the DNA of every Congressman. Why should anyone be in Congress when all of Rahul Gandhi’s friends have departed for other shores. It’s only because if you don’t believe in the leadership of the Nehru-Gandhi family, you would not be in Congress,” he said, adding, “I am in Congress, I have not left it. If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside.” Interestingly, Aiyar also made remarks like “I am Rajivian (Rajiv Gandhi), not Rahulian (Rahul Gandhi)”, and that he does not need Congress, as it does not need him. Besides, he also criticised other Congress members at the national level and in Kerala. Aiyar has been a thorn in the flesh for Congress, with his remarks on politicians and politics having embarrassed Congress many times. His barb at PM Narendra Modi ahead of 2017 Gujarat assembly elections had resulted in Congress suspending him in Dec 2017, but the suspension was revoked in Aug 2018. It is not clear if Congress will again act against Aiyar. Sources said there had not been any discussion on it till late afternoon.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUnion Minister Vaishnaw Details India’s Measures To Handle Deepfake Threats‘Crucial Role For India In AI Governance’: Duncan Cass-Beggs At AI SummitFarewell Address To Nation: Yunus Steps Down Before BNP Takes Charge In DhakaMega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump?’From 25 Years To 5’ Rajnath Singh Pushes DRDO With 5-Year Ultimatum On 5th And 6th Gen EnginesIndian Team To Visit US Next Week To Finalise Trade Deal Framework As Govt Faces Opposition Fire’AI Works On Data, Humans Create The Unseen’: CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi At AI Impact Summit 2026″Pierce Brosnan To Play Me?” Karti Chidambaram Jokes Amid Dhurandhar Buzz“India Must Move Fast In Ai Era”: Chief Economic Adviser Calls For Structural Reforms’AI Will Create More Than It Destroys’: Microsoft India Chief Puneet Chandok Predicts 3-Year Rise123PhotostoriesBhabiji Ghar Par Hain: From Aasif Sheikh to Shilpa Shinde; A look at the cast’s per-episode feesHow to make traditional Lasuni Dal Tadka for lunch at homeSivakarthikeyan birthday special: From ‘Velaikkaran’ to ‘Hero’ – films to stream on OTT5 animals that thrive on both land and water, and where to spot themT20 World Cup Special: How to make Ishan Kishan’s favourite Chilli Paneer & Garam ParathaFrom Vada Pav to Pumpkin Chicken Curry: 10 comforting dishes that Sachin Tendulkar loves to eat8 popular types of motorbikes and their uses8 comforting steamed egg dishes to try from around the world7 stunning colour-changing birds found around the worldBefore fame, THIS Bollywood comedian worked as a factory tailor, tragedy struck when his wife died minutes after childbirth123Hot PicksBengal election commissionGold Silver PricesSaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingLas Vegas TragedyKayla NicoleCosta RicaJutta LeerdamStefon DiggsKayla NicoleSan Jose SharksBrandon BussiCandace OwensJake Paul Fiance
NEW DELHI: After Congress dissociated itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar following his prediction that the rival Left front will win in Kerala elections, the veteran hit back on Monday saying he remains with the party even as ‘friends of Rahul Gandhi’ have left for other parties. The issue flared up on Sunday when Aiyar, attending a function organised by Kerala govt, said Vijayan will return to power. Taking up cudgels on behalf of the Left, Aiyar had said in Thiruvananthapuram, “As a Congressman, I want UDF to win. As a Gandhian, I am obliged to tell the truth, irrespective of what I wish. I am not a voter in Kerala, but I think he (Kerala’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan) is going to get another term.” A stung Congress dissociated itself from Aiyar, with spokesman Pawan Khera saying Aiyar has been writing and speaking in personal capacity for past few years, and Khera’s post on X was corroborated by Jairam Ramesh. A day later, Aiyar got back with a bitter attack on Congress. “The Nehru-Gandhi family is built into the DNA of every Congressman. Why should anyone be in Congress when all of Rahul Gandhi’s friends have departed for other shores. It’s only because if you don’t believe in the leadership of the Nehru-Gandhi family, you would not be in Congress,” he said, adding, “I am in Congress, I have not left it. If Pawan Khera is going to expel me, I will happily go outside and kick his backside.” Interestingly, Aiyar also made remarks like “I am Rajivian (Rajiv Gandhi), not Rahulian (Rahul Gandhi)”, and that he does not need Congress, as it does not need him. Besides, he also criticised other Congress members at the national level and in Kerala. Aiyar has been a thorn in the flesh for Congress, with his remarks on politicians and politics having embarrassed Congress many times. His barb at PM Narendra Modi ahead of 2017 Gujarat assembly elections had resulted in Congress suspending him in Dec 2017, but the suspension was revoked in Aug 2018. It is not clear if Congress will again act against Aiyar. Sources said there had not been any discussion on it till late afternoon.
