Mani Shankar Aiyar - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Mani Shankar Aiyar is an Indian politician and former civil servant who has served as a Member of Parliament and Minister in the Government of India.
- 2. He was born on April 10, 1941, in Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan) and was raised in Kolkata.
- 3. Aiyar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1963 and served in various diplomatic roles before resigning in 1989 to pursue a career in politics.
- 4. He joined the Indian National Congress party and was elected to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) in 2004, representing the Mayiladuthurai constituency in Tamil Nadu.
- 5. Aiyar has held several ministerial positions in the government, including Minister of Panchayati Raj, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region.
- 6. He is known for his outspoken and controversial statements, often attracting criticism and controversy. In 2017, he was suspended from the Congress party for making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- 7. Aiyar is also a prolific writer and has authored several books on a range of topics, including diplomacy, politics, and Indian history.
- 8. He is a strong advocate for the empowerment of rural communities and has been involved in various initiatives to promote grassroots democracy and development.
- 9. Aiyar has been a vocal critic of the current government's policies, particularly on issues such as economic reforms, social welfare programs, and foreign relations.
- 10. Despite his controversies and differences with the party leadership, Aiyar remains a prominent figure in Indian politics and continues to be active in public life.