New Delhi, March 5 -- Congress leader Harish Rawat on Wednesday came out in defense of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, following comments made by Mani Shankar Aiyar. Rawat refused to comment on Aiyar's remarks, dismissing him as a "frustrated individual."

Instead, Rawat chose to remember Rajiv Gandhi's legacy, highlighting his contributions to modernizing the country and liberalizing the economy. Gandhi's vision, Rawat believes, would have altered the course of India's history if a section of the Congress party had supported him.

"I don't want to comment on someone who is a frustrated individual...I knew Rajiv Gandhi, who gave the country a modern outlook. He took concrete steps for the liberalisation of the economy as well. Unfortu...