Sam Pitroda Returns as Indian Overseas Congress Chairman: Controversial Remarks Spark BJP Criticism

 Sam Pitroda has been reappointed as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress after resigning over controversial comments about race and ethnicity. In a podcast, he described Indians’ appearances in terms of ethnic and racial identities, which led to criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accusations of racism. Despite the controversy, the Congress party has brought him back, showing their continued support for him.

During the podcast, Pitroda stated that Indians from different regions resemble people from various parts of the world, emphasizing unity despite physical differences.

His comments included comparisons such as people from the east looking like the Chinese and people from the south resembling Africans. Pitroda’s intention was to highlight India’s diversity and mutual respect among its people, but his remarks were perceived as insensitive and led to a political uproar.

The BJP condemned Pitroda’s statements and used them to criticize the Congress party during the Lok Sabha election campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in particular, launched a scathing attack on the Congress and its leadership, accusing them of dividing society and being out of touch with the Indian populace.

Modi’s comments included references to Rahul Gandhi as “shehzada” (prince) and Pitroda as his “guru” (mentor), framing the Congress as elitist and disconnected from the common people.

Pitroda has a long history with the Congress party and the Gandhi family, having held significant positions during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure. Despite his controversial remarks, the party has chosen to bring him back into a prominent role.

This decision reflects the complex dynamics within the Congress party and its leadership’s reliance on long-time associates, even when they stir controversy.

In addition to his recent remarks on race, Pitroda had previously caused a stir by advocating for an inheritance tax law in India. The Congress party distanced itself from his views on this issue, indicating that his statements do not always align with the party’s official stance.

The BJP capitalized on these controversies to attack the Congress during the election campaign, using Pitroda’s comments to question the party’s policies and leadership.