New Delhi, March 21: Congress leader and former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar extended Eid greetings on Friday, highlighting that Muslims worldwide, “starting from India,” are often targeted by communal forces.
In a video message posted on YouTube, Aiyar stated, “This year has been particularly challenging for the Muslim community. Muslims around the globe are facing numerous struggles and challenges. In India, the Muslim community frequently falls victim to communal tensions.”
Titled “Eid in Times of War: Gaza, Iran, and the Crisis in West Asia,” this message was shared on his YouTube platform ‘Mani Talk.’ He described it as a “special Eid message during a time when the world is grappling with devastating wars and humanitarian crises.”
The video elaborated, “From the tragedy in Gaza to the ongoing war in Iran and widespread conflicts in West Asia, this message underscores the importance of peace, compassion, and shared humanity during times of crisis.”
In a seven-minute message delivered in both Hindi and English, Aiyar asserted that Muslims are often targeted by communal forces globally, including in India.
He alleged that this situation extends “from Iran in West Asia to Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, as well as in Central Asia, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Chechnya, and Iran. The Muslim ‘millat’ (community) has faced various atrocities over the past year, including in Somalia, Libya, and Tunisia.”
Aiyar has been involved in several controversies over the years, including comments about party colleagues and statements on national leaders and historical issues. He has previously criticized Congress leadership, even describing himself as “Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not Rahulvian.”
He has made remarks about party colleagues, calling Shashi Tharoor a “theory-less opportunist,” K.C. Venugopal “extremist,” and Pawan Khera “a donkey,” which drew criticism.
During the 2024 election campaign, he stirred controversy by stating that China “allegedly invaded India” in October 1962, a comment criticized by the BJP as historical revisionism; Aiyar later apologized.
He further expressed, “My family and I extend our condolences and hope that Allah ensures peace and tranquility for the Muslim community in the coming year.”
Aiyar added, “I hope that peace, harmony, stability, and democracy will be reestablished in the Islamic world in the coming years.”
He claimed, “The unnecessary pursuit of material greatness at the expense of spiritual values and the neglect of our mixed culture is damaging our global reputation.”
He concluded, “Therefore, on this sacred and auspicious occasion of Eid, I extend heartfelt greetings to my Muslim brothers around the world, from Southeast Asia to Northwest Africa and beyond, and hope that peace, harmony, and stability will soon prevail throughout the Muslim community.”
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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