A nominated Rajya Sabha MP, Mani Shankar Aiyar is prone to ruffle feathers, as he did even when he was a Cabinet minister in the first UPA government. The ease with which he permits his sharp wit to get the better of him seems to come in the way of his ability to strike a balance in his public observations.
In Pakistan recently, Mr Aiyar allowed himself to say on television that the present Indian Prime Minister “needs to be removed” for dialogue between the two countries to be resumed. To call the remark “anti-national”, or pro-ISIS, as some have done, is an exaggeration, but the observation does confirm the MP’s reputation as an unguided missile.
Unlike in the West, the broad tradition in our parts is to not criticise one’s country, government or PM when abroad. (Admittedly the period of the Emergency was an exception.) The rule, however, does not apply to domestic conversations. In this country (unlike where the comment was made) PMs are not “removed” or ejected, except in the proper, constitutional, way.
Mr Aiyar’s views cannot be deemed to be any party’s views. They are uniquely his own. However, had they been articulated in India, the MP may have found quiet support from several quarters, including possibly elements in the ruling party, if the post-Bihar election scene is anything to go by. But the moral of the story is not to lose one’s poise. This also applies to dignitaries who are not above trashing former PMs and governments on foreign soil.
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