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Key Points

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar asserts that two-thirds of Indians, including half of Hindus, oppose the idea of a Hindu Rashtra. He warns against divisive politics while extending warm Eid greetings to Muslims worldwide. Aiyar emphasizes India's secular fabric and urges harmony among communities. The leader also revisits his past controversial remarks about Rajiv Gandhi's academic failures.

Key Points: Mani Shankar Aiyar Says Two-Thirds Indians Oppose Hindu Rashtra

  • Aiyar claims 50% Hindus oppose Hindu Rashtra
  • Warns against divisive communal rhetoric
  • Extends Eid greetings to Muslims globally
  • Recalls controversial Rajiv Gandhi remarks
2 min read

Nation's two-third population not in favour of 'Hindu Rashtra': Mani Shankar Aiyar

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar claims majority, including Hindus, reject divisive Hindu Rashtra politics while extending Eid greetings.

"More than two-third Hindustanis don't support political powers seeking hostile atmosphere towards minorities – Mani Shankar Aiyar"

New Delhi, March 31

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Monday said that there is a deliberate attempt to spread hatred and spoil the harmonious atmosphere in the country, apparently at the behest of those in power, but such tactics would not succeed because majority of the population does not support such divisive politics.

Aiyar, in an interaction with IANS, said: "More than two-third Hindustanis (countrymen) don't support the political powers that seek to create hostile atmosphere towards minorities and turn the country into Hindu Rashtra."

"Out of this two-third population, 50 per cent comprise Hindus," he added.

He said that India is a land of diversity and people of all faiths live here with deep bonds of brotherhood and harmony.

The Congress leader also extended Eid greetings to the people of the Muslim faith across the world, including those residing in Middle-East nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Europe.

"India is a secular nation. On the occasion of Eid, I want to send greetings to all my Muslim brothers and the Muslim community of the country," he said.

He said that India promotes equality and co-existence of various communities, including wide range of minorities. He asked the countrymen to celebrate the festival with full religious fervour and advised them not to fall prey to communal rhetoric by radicals and fanatics.

Mani Shankar Aiyar, often landing up in soup lately due to his 'provocative' statements, last hit the headlines when he made 'sensational disclosures' about former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

"Everybody knows about Indira Gandhi. When Rajiv Gandhi was elevated to the chair of Prime Minister, it left everyone stunned, including me. He failed twice in the University, first at Cambridge University and then at Imperial College in London," Aiyar said in conversation with a YouTube channel.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally someone speaking truth to power! India's strength is in its diversity. We must protect our secular values at all costs. 🙏
P
Priya M.
While I agree with the sentiment, I wish Aiyar would focus more on constructive solutions rather than just criticism. His comments about Rajiv Gandhi's education were unnecessary and distracted from the real issue.
A
Amit S.
The data speaks for itself - if even 50% Hindus don't support this agenda, why are we pushing it so hard? Let's focus on development instead of divisive politics.
S
Sunita R.
Eid Mubarak to all celebrating! This is what India stands for - celebrating each other's festivals with joy and respect. 🎉
V
Vikram J.
I appreciate Aiyar's message but he needs to be more careful with his words. His past statements have often created unnecessary controversies that overshadow his valid points.
N
Neha P.
The timing of this statement right before Eid is interesting. While I agree with the sentiment, I wonder if this is genuine concern or political posturing?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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