Shankar Aiyar : We have the courage for surgical strikes but not for talks… Mani Shankar Aiyar

Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar stated that India ought to engage in dialogue with Pakistan. He remarked that while the current government conducted the surgical strike, it lacks the courage to initiate talks with Pakistan.

Shankar Aiyar

Shankar Aiyar : Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has sharply criticized PM Modi's government regarding Pakistan. He stated that we lack the courage to engage in dialogue with Pakistan on issues concerning both nations, despite having conducted actions like surgical strikes. Pakistan, known for spreading terrorism, is also a victim of it. He mentioned that it was Pakistan's longstanding intention to bring the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, but now the greatest threat they face is the Taliban being in Afghanistan.

He expressed that the persistent presence of Pakistan poses a major threat and could be catastrophic for us. We should initiate dialogue with Pakistan, akin to the strategy adopted by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh concerning the Kashmir issue. He noted that the people in Pakistan are akin to Indians, but the tragedy of partition has divided them into a separate nation. The Congress leader praised Sheikh Hasina's contributions to India.

Hindus are being attacked in Bangladesh

The Congress leader acknowledged that minority Hindus in Bangladesh are indeed being targeted, primarily due to their support for Sheikh Hasina. While reports of these attacks are accurate, they are often overstated. He explained that the majority of these conflicts arise from political disputes. Speaking about his wife, he noted that the differences between himself, a Tamil, and his wife, a Punjabi, are not as significant as the differences between her and a Punjabi from Pakistan.

He praised Sheikh Hasina

He commended Sheikh Hasina, expressing his belief that everyone would concur with him that Sheikh Hasina has accomplished significant work for India. He expressed satisfaction that she was granted asylum in India and suggested that India should continue to host her for as long as she desires, even if it means she resides in India for her entire life.