'Respect Pak...even they have bombs': Mani Shankar Aiyar's old video gives BJP ammo to target Cong

Even as Congress tries to untangle itself from Sam Pitroda's remarks on inheritance tax and skin colour of Indians, another party veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar has come under the radar of the ruling BJP for advocating talks with Pakistan.

In an interview given a few months back, but revived recently, Aiyar said that India should focus on engaging in dialogue with Pakistan, instead of threatening them with atom bombs.

"Pakistan is a sovereign nation. Even they have their pride. By respecting them, you should hold tough talks. While maintaining that respect, have as tough talk as you want, but at least talk. But if you are roaming around with a gun in your hand, it will not provide any solution... it will just increase the tension. What will happen to the country if a mad person comes there? They have atom bombs."

"Yes we also have nuclear bomb. But some madman exploded a bomb in Lahore station. Its radioactive rays will reach Amritsar in 8 seconds. By placing such bombs you prevent them from using them. If you talk to Pakistan and start respecting it... our neighbour will not think about the bomb. But if you reject them then if some madman comes there he will take out a bomb."

The remarks invited sharp retort from the BJP.

"At this time Pakistan is collecting foodgrains for itself. They are facing a food crisis...Mani Shankar Aiyar should get himself treated somewhere. This is not the India of Congress. Now, India is very powerful. This is the India of PM Modi," BJP MP Ravi Kishan told ANI news agency.

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