Justifying the Paris terror attack, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said that such attacks were imminent as the 'powerless' people were retaliating.

Justifying the Paris terror attack, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar told Times Now that such attacks were imminent as the "powerless" people were retaliating.

"We have to admit that ever since there has been a war on terror after 9/11, many innocent Muslims have lost their lives. This is what America did in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is therefore only to be expected that there will be a backlash Countries like America can't do what they want just because they are powerful. Why should just powerful countries act this way?Why should those who are less powerful not respond? Powerless people will find powerless means of responding, when there are drone attacks."

According to this CNN-IBN report, Aiyar referred to the French ban on Muslim women wearing hijab and said that it was just a "backlash."

"I think that the way which war has been conducted by Americans, we knew since then there will be such a reaction, France now should think about how to stop such attack, " Aiyar was quoted by CNN-IBN as saying.

Even though media jumped at Congress for the irresponsible comment by a senior leader, Twitter waged its own war.

#AiyarTerrorLogic was the top trend on the social networking site hours after the gaffe. Here are a few reactions:

As a person who detests @INCIndia, I am happiest that Mani Shankar Aiyar belongs there. They deserve him #AiyarTerrorLogic — Suresh En (@surnell) January 8, 2015

Hey #Arnab @thenewshour - Your hashtag is an Oxymoron - Aiyar and Logic can never go together #AiyarTerrorLogic — Suresh En (@surnell) January 8, 2015

#Aiyarterrorlogic Is MSY looking for a job in the ISI ? — Lalit Advani (@lalitadvani) January 8, 2015

Cong leaders are desperate to prove they're a party of terrorists #AiyarTerrorLogic @timesnow — Dr Neelu Goswami (@NeelakshiGswm) January 8, 2015

Mani Sankar Iyer should be sent to the mental hospital ASAP #AiyarTerrorLogic @timesnow — Dr Neelu Goswami (@NeelakshiGswm) January 8, 2015

Mani Shankar Aiyar embarrasses Congress?! Mani Shankar still exists?? Wait...Congress still exists?? #AiyarTerrorLogic — KrishMUFC (@NotThatKrish) January 8, 2015