Mani Shankar Aiyar Denies Casteist Remarks Against PM Modi, Clarifies Comments

Former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar denied making casteist remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating his comment about Modi being a "low kind of person" referred to character, not caste. He also rejected claims that he said a "tea seller cannot become prime minister," clarifying his criticism targeted Modi's historical knowledge. Aiyar questioned Modi's narrative about selling tea in Vadnagar and alleged political messaging misrepresented his statements. BJP leaders protested and burned his effigy in response.