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“Not Our Views”: Congress Moves Away from Sam Pitroda’s China Comment

February 17, 2025, 5:46 pm

The Congress party has distanced itself from senior leader Sam Pitroda’s contentious remark that “China is not our enemy.” The comment, which evoked a sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), compelled Congress to come out with a clarification, stating that Pitroda’s opinions do not represent the party’s official stand on China.

Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) to respond to the controversy. “The views reportedly expressed by Mr. Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress. China remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, as well as economic challenge,” Ramesh tweeted.

The views reportedly expressed by Mr. Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress.

China remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, as well as economic challenge. The INC has repeatedly raised questions on the Modi Govt’s… pic.twitter.com/vVjjc9pQbT

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 17, 2025

Controversial Comment by Sam Pitroda

In a recent interview with news agency IANS, Pitroda said that India needs to change its strategy towards China and refrain from assuming hostility. “I believe that we should reverse that trend to presume that China is the enemy since day one. It is not only to China, but to everyone. I do not know what is the threat from China. I believe this problem is exaggerated because the US has the tendency to define an enemy,” he said.

His comments have drawn criticism, particularly as they contradict Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent assertion in Parliament that India had lost territory to China—an allegation the central government has strongly denied.

Congress’ History of Pitroda’s Controversial Statements

This is not the first time that Pitroda’s words have put Congress in the soup. Last year, he made some comments on India’s diversity that resulted in charges of racism and colonial thinking. Consequently, he was stripped of his role as Chairman of the Overseas Indian Congress for more than a month. But he was reinstated in June after explaining the context of his remarks and asserting that they were being misinterpreted by the BJP.

Jairam Ramesh at that time had said that Pitroda had promised Congress leaders that he would refrain from making provocative statements in the future. Pitroda later refuted Ramesh, calling it his personal viewpoint.

BJP’s Strong Reaction

BJP was quick to jump on Pitroda’s statement, holding Congress responsible for favoring China’s interests at the cost of India’s sovereignty. BJP spokesman Pradeep Bhandari labeled the remark a “very deep blow to India’s identity, diplomacy, and sovereignty.”

“Rahul Gandhi’s right-hand man Sam Pitroda: ‘China is not our enemy’! This man sings endless praises of China while Congress party’s signing of an MoU in 2008 reveals a cozy betrayal of India’s interests and prioritizing China’s! It’s crazy how Congress always manages to keep China and Pakistan’s interests above ours,” Bhandari said.

With Pitroda’s remark having created a new political storm, Congress is now in damage control mode, reiterating its China policy. The party continues to walk the tightrope of national security while deflecting the BJP’s charge leading up to key elections.

“China Not Our Enemy”: Sam Pitroda Faces Backlash After Remarks

February 17, 2025, 3:04 pm

Sam Pitroda, an old Congress man and the head of the party’s overseas wing, has been brought into the eye of the storm again following his controversial statement on China. Pitroda, as a person not new to controversy, proposed that the threat of China to India is sometimes overstated and that India should no longer see its neighboring country as an adversary.

His remarks have elicited harsh criticism from the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which alleged that the Congress party pursued an “obsessive fascination for China.”

Controversial Comments by Sam Pitroda on China

In an interview to IANS, Pitroda asserted that India’s stance towards China has always been “confrontational” and that the perception needs to be changed. He suggested that the threat from China is often blown out of proportion, adding, “I don’t understand the threat from China. I think this issue is often blown out of proportion because the U.S. has a tendency to define an enemy. I believe the time has come for all nations to collaborate, not confront.”

Pitroda further stated, “Our approach has been confrontational from the very beginning, and this attitude creates enemies, which in turn garners support within the country. We need to change this mindset and stop assuming that China is the enemy from day one.”

These comments came amid ongoing tensions between India and China, which had seen violent clashes along the border in 2020, followed by disengagement talks. Pitroda’s remarks echo those made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently claimed in Parliament that India had lost territory to China, a statement the government has rejected.

BJP’s Strong Response to Pitroda’s Remarks

The BJP was quick to condemn Pitroda’s comments. Tuhin Sinha, the national spokesperson for the BJP, pointed out the Congress party’s historical ties to China, particularly citing a 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Congress and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He commented, “Those who ceded away 40,000 square km of our land to China, still see no threat from the Dragon. No wonder Rahul Gandhi is in awe of China and was rooting for BRI one day before the IMEEC was announced. The crux of Congress party’s obsessive fascination for China, lies hidden in the mysterious 2008 Cong-CCP MOU.”

This 2008 MoU was entered into for the “top-level, information and cooperation” between the two political parties. The BJP has repeatedly called it a “secret deal,” which the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed under the Right to Information Act (RTI) in 2020.

BJP Accuses Congress of Prioritizing China’s Interests

‘China isn’t our enemy’! This, however, is a man singing unending symphonies of praise about China, when in 2008 Congress party’s signing of MOU itself shows a quiet retreat and sabotage of India’s interest in favor of China!

Bhandari then ramped up the rhetoric, accusing Rahul Gandhi’s political moves as having the accompaniments of foreign powers. He said, “Rahul Gandhi’s remote control is in the hand of George Soros and China.”

The Border Dispute and India-China Tensions

Pitroda’s remarks are at a time of protracted frictions between India and China-bordered disputes in particular. In 2020, violent clashes between Indian and Chinese forces resulted in the loss of lives, leading to heightened security concerns. India turned down US president Donald Trump’s offer to mediate the dispute in 2020, and the impasse is one of the focal points of Indian foreign policy.

The losing of Indian land to China has been raised by the opposition party, Congress, and Rahul Gandhi has blamed China for having occupied 4,000 sq km of Indian territory, a claim refuted by India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh.

Pitroda’s History of Controversial Statements

This is not the first time Sam Pitroda has sparked controversy with his remarks. In 2024, he garnered media attention for remarks about Indian diversity that were deemed racist, thus provoking the ire of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After a public uproar, Pitroda stepped down from his post as Congress overseas chief but returned after seven weeks.

He also stirred controversy during the general elections the previous year with a statement regarding inheritance tax, which the BJP used to accuse Congress of planning to redistribute the wealth of Indians if voted into power.

Sam Pitroda Compares Rahul Gandhi & Rajiv Gandhi, Calls Rahul ‘More Strategist’

September 4, 2024, 10:30 pm

Sam Pitroda, a longtime confidant of the Gandhi family, sa^d Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is far more of a thinker and strategist than his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, adding that Pitroda described both as “custodians of the idea of India” who share the same “DNA of a prime minister.”

Pitroda, in an interview to PTI, said Rahul Gandhi has all the qualities which would make him an excellent prime minister and criticized BJP for a long-drawn campaign to demoralize him as a leader.

When asked to compare Rajiv and Rahul Gandhi, Pitroda, who has worked with successive prime ministers of India, highlighted their distinctive qualities. “I have seen many prime ministers from close quarters, but the difference I see between Rahul and Rajiv is that Rahul is far more cerebral, a thinking person, whereas Rajiv was more of a doer. They came from the same DNA and had the same concern for the people; both believe genuinely in building a better India for all. Both are very simple people with not too much personal needs,” Pitroda said over phone from Chicago.

Pitroda explained the difference between the two: “Rahul is more of a strategist than Rajiv. They are molded by different times, different tools, and different experiences. Rahul has experienced two severe shocks in his life-the loss of his grandmother and his father-which took them along different directions.

Prabhuh Chawla: Pitroda also subtly attacked BJP, saying, “The media image of Rahul was built through well-orchestrated campaign against him. Millions were spent to malign this young man, when he is so well-educated, questioning his education.”.

Pitroda also felt that Rahul Gandhi “could stand up and survive” that “false image” of his, more so with Bharat Jodo Yatra. “From my personal experience, and I may be biased, I believe he is highly capable. He is a decent human being, well-educated, with the right DNA, and I see him as a custodian of the democratic ideals the Congress has always upheld,” Pitroda said in conclusion.

Sam Pitroda Reinstated As Congress Overseas Chief Despite Controversial Remarks

June 26, 2024, 10:47 pm

The Congress party has reinstated Sam Pitroda as the Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, effective immediately, weeks after he resigned amidst controversy over his remarks on the diversity of Indian appearances. KC Venugopal, a senior leader, announced the decision, emphasizing the Congress President’s decision to reinstate Pitroda despite the previous outcry.

Sam Pitroda had stepped down from his position on May 8 following widespread criticism for his comments during an interview with The Statesman, where he likened Indians in different regions to Chinese, Africans, Arabs, and White people. His remarks were condemned by various political figures, including senior Congress members who termed them “unfortunate and unacceptable,” asserting that they did not reflect the party’s stance.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also denounced Pitroda’s comments as “racist and divisive,” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing strong disapproval. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Pitroda, highlighting the diverse yet unified nature of India and condemning his perceived biases.

Despite the controversy, Congress’ decision to reinstate Pitroda has reignited debate and criticism, particularly regarding the party’s stance on inclusivity and sensitivity to cultural diversity.

‘Pitroda’s understanding of Bharat superficial’

May 14, 2024, 3:11 am

Andhra Pradesh went to the polls on Monday and two biggest political factions at this point – Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSRCP and the BJP-TDP-JanaSena alliance – are fighting it out for power. JanaSena President Pawan Kalyan has wound up his election campaign and is confident that their alliance will come to power.

Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan has lashed out at Congress’ Sam Pitroda for recent remarks about the people of India. Pitroda eventually resigned from his official post as his statement snowballed into a controversy.

The JanaSena president told TDG, “Sam Pitroda’s comments are derogatory towards every individual in Bharat. It is particularly surprising that Mr. Pitroda, a technocrat and former Chairman of the Knowledge Commission of India, would employ such an offensive racial remark to acknowledge Bharat’s diversity. What is particularly unsettling is not just Mr.

Pitroda’s words, but rather his superficial comprehension of Bharat. This reveals a mindset rooted in racial stereotypes, viewing Bharat merely as a collection of states inhabited by people of diverse colors and complexions.”

Pawan Kalyan went on to talk about the US inheritance tax system that Pitroda endorsed and wanted India to adopt a similar approach. The actor-turned-politician said, “What he fails to grasp is that the cultural and lifestyle dynamics in both the US and Bharat are vastly different. Notions surrounding family, intergenerational living, savings, and attitudes towards money diverge significantly between the two. Therefore, it is important to refrain from superimposing the US perspective onto the framework of Bharat.”

On a larger scale, Pitroda’s remarks represent the broader ideology of the Congress regarding India’s society, economy, and political landscape, felt the JanaSena leader. “He should cease importing his ideologies and attempting to impose them on our homeland.

Bharat possesses its unique identity, thoughts, and methods of governance, all while maintaining connections with the global community. It’s imperative that we recognize and embrace our diversity in a manner that fosters national unity and strengthens communal harmony.

“Mr. Pitroda’s intense animosity towards Prime Minister Modi is driving him to make highly irrational and profoundly unsettling remarks. It’s crucial to recognize that politicians, particularly senior figures and intellectuals like Mr. Pitroda, should not resort to denigrating Bharat and its illustrious civilization merely to settle political vendettas,” emphasised Pawan Kalyan.

‘Bakwas ki hai’: Robert Vadra Reacts to Sam Pitroda’s Remarks

May 9, 2024, 4:17 pm

Husband of Priyanka Gandhi and businessman Robert Vadra has recently called out former chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda’s racist remarks on Thursday.

Had wondered How can a highly educated person like him make such remarks. And further commented, that while Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi are making efforts to push the party, but due to Pitroda’s remarks, BJP is getting a chance to ‘raise unnecessary issues.”

Talking to ANI, Vadra said “When you are associated with this (Gandhi) family…with great power comes great responsibility. You have to think before taking any step. I absolutely disagree with what Sam Pitroda has said. ‘Bakwas ki hai’ (He has spoken rubbish) …How can someone so educated say something like this?”

Vadra also emphasized, that he should be a little more responsible. Later commenting about his resignation, he expressed nothing but happiness about this decision.

“…You come here and talk about this government’s mistakes, pointing out the shortcomings. But you are sitting on the sofa and saying anything, which is complete nonsense. I am very happy that he has retired. I wrote to him yesterday that all this is wrong.” said Robert Vadra.

Sam Pitroda has recently got himself into a fresh controversy on Wednesday. Where his video of an interview got viral.

In this video, he talked about how Indians continue to live unitedly for the last 75 years despite their differences because of Congress.

Delving into the country’s diversity, Sam Pitroda said the following line “We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans. It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food.”

As a result, it drew a big condemnation from large section of people including congress. Who called it “unacceptable, unfortunate and absolutely wrong” and distanced themselves from these remarks.

“The analogies drawn by Mr. Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India’s diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies.” said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh

Sam Pitroda Resigns As Indian Overseas Congress Chief After Controversial Comment

May 8, 2024, 11:08 pm

Congress leader Sam Pitroda resigned from his position as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, which the party has accepted. Jairam Ramesh, another Congress leader, made the announcement on X, stating that Sam Pitroda had chosen to step down from the crucial role “of his own accord”.

श्री सैम पित्रोदा ने अपनी मर्ज़ी से इंडियन ओवरसीज कांग्रेस के अध्यक्ष पद से इस्तीफ़ा देने का फ़ैसला किया है। कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष ने उनका इस्तीफ़ा स्वीकार कर लिया है।

Mr. Sam Pitroda has decided to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress of his own accord. The Congress…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 8, 2024

Pitroda faced criticism for his contentious comment suggesting that Indians in the East resemble the Chinese, while those in the South resemble Africans.

“We could hold together a country as diverse as India — where people on East look like Chinese, people on West look like Arab, people on North look like maybe White and people in South look like Africans. It doesn’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters,” Pitroda said during an interview with The Statesman.

The Congress promptly distanced itself from Pitroda’s comments, describing them as “unacceptable.”

“The analogies drawn by Mr Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India’s diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies,” Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

The BJP also criticized the Congress for Pitroda’s comments, labeling them as “racist and divisive.”

Prior to this incident, Sam Pitroda stirred controversy when he seemed to endorse the implementation of a US-style Inheritance Tax in India.

During an interview with news agency ANI, Sam Pitroda advocated for a policy aimed at wealth redistribution, citing the concept of inheritance tax in certain American states.

“In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies, he can only transfer probably 45 per cent to his children and 55% goes to the government. That’s an interesting law. It says you, in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair,” Pitroda had said.

He later clarified that his statements were misrepresented and were unrelated to the Congress or the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Kangana Ranaut Hits Back at Sam Pitroda, Mocking His Appearance as ‘More Bird-Like Than Human’

May 8, 2024, 6:10 pm

Kangana Ranaut, aligning with sentiments expressed by BJP leaders, has entered the fray regarding Sam Pitroda’s controversial remarks on the physical appearance of Indians. Pitroda’s alleged comments, drawing parallels between individuals in Eastern India and the Chinese, and comparing those from the South to Africans, have stirred significant controversy.

Kangana Ranaut’s pointed critique of Pitroda’s remarks

Running for Lok Sabha elections from Mandi on a BJP ticket, Kangana took to Instagram Stories to offer her take on the matter. “Congress Uncle Sam remarked that South Indians resemble Africans, while those from the East and Northeast resemble Chinese. He said people from the Gujarat belt look like Arabs, and those from the northern regions look like white people. I’m curious about which part of India Uncle Sam hails from, because he appears more birdlike than human.”

She continued, emphasizing that Indians possess darker complexions due to their resemblance to their ancestors. “Shyam signifies the color black, Lord Rama had the darkest complexion, Arjuna was also dark, and Draupadi, the most stunning woman, was even darker. Krishna affectionately called her ‘Krishna’ because of her complexion. Darker-skinned individuals in our nation are like these revered ancestors, not Africans.

“When Arjuna married a Manipuri woman, he wedded a princess named Chitrangada, deeply rooted in the Sanatani tradition, not someone resembling Chinese ethnicity. People from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the northern regions exhibit quintessential Indian features. Just because your ‘Raja babu’ is Italian doesn’t imply everyone’s lineage is mixed. We are pure 100% Indian.”

What remarks did Sam Pitroda make?

In a recent podcast, Sam Pitroda, the head of the Indian Overseas Congress, reflected, “Over the past 75 years, we’ve managed to maintain a harmonious environment where people coexist peacefully, despite occasional conflicts.”

He further elaborated, “In India, we see diversity everywhere. People in the eastern regions may resemble the Chinese, those in the western regions may resemble Arabs, individuals in the northern regions may resemble Caucasians, and those in the southern regions may resemble Africans. However, these differences don’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters, respecting each other’s languages, religions, customs, and cuisine.” These comments, widely shared on social media, drew reactions from BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Modi questioned, “Will a person’s worth in my country be judged based on their skin color?” He further queried, “Who authorized the ‘shehzada’ to engage in such discourse on skin color?”

Sam Pitroda Sparks Controversy:” Indians in the East resemble the Chinese while….”

May 8, 2024, 3:02 pm

Congress leader Sam Pitroda sparked a major controversy with his remarks suggesting that Indians in the East resemble the Chinese while those in the South look like Africans. His comments drew swift criticism from the BJP, prompting the Congress to quickly distance itself from Pitroda’s statements, deeming them “unacceptable.”

In an interview with The Statesman, Pitroda discussed India’s status as a democratic example, stating that the country’s people have coexisted relatively harmoniously for 75 years, despite occasional conflicts. He emphasized India’s diversity, noting that people in various regions have different physical appearances, likening those in the East to Chinese, those in the West to Arabs, those in the North possibly to White individuals, and those in the South to Africans. He stressed the unity of all Indians as brothers and sisters, regardless of physical differences.

Pitroda further stated, “We all value diverse languages, religions, customs, and cuisines. This is the India I believe in, where everyone finds their place and makes compromises.”

Amidst criticism directed at Pitroda for his remarks, Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh commented, “The comparisons made by Mr. Sam Pitroda in a podcast to showcase India’s diversity are deeply regrettable and cannot be condoned. The Indian National Congress firmly distances itself from these comparisons.”

BJP Condemns Sam Pitroda’s Alleged Racist Remarks

In response to Pitroda’s controversial remarks, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on X, “Sam bhai, I hail from the Northeast and I resemble an Indian. Our nation is diverse – our appearances may vary, but we stand united. Please try to understand something about our country!”

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut criticized the Congress and denounced Pitroda’s remarks as “racist and divisive”. In a dig, she referred to him as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s mentor.

“They thrive on divide and rule. It’s disgusting to label fellow Indians as Chinese or African. Shame on Congress!” she tweeted.

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also criticized Pitroda, stating that his comparison of “diverse India” indicates his lack of understanding of the country and its culture.

“He [Pitroda] clearly doesn’t grasp the country. He advises Rahul Gandhi. Now I see why Rahul Gandhi talks nonsense… This frustration comes from their defeat. They don’t understand India or its traditions,” Ravi Shankar Prasad told news agency ANI.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala called Sam Pitroda a “repeat offender” and urged his removal from the Congress. “His words may be Uncle Sam’s, but the mindset is Rahul’s. Creating divisions among Indians. Spreading racism and hate,” he tweeted.

Assam And Manipur CMs Respond To Sam Pitroda’s ‘People In The East Look Like Chinese’ Comment

May 8, 2024, 2:20 pm

Senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda recently made a statement that sparked controversy, emphasizing India’s rich diversity and the harmonious coexistence of people of various appearances for the past 75 years.

Pitroda commented, “We have managed to keep a country as diverse as India together, where people in the East look like Chinese, people in the West look like Arabs, people in the North look like maybe Whites, and people in South India look like Africans. It doesn’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters,” in an interview with The Statesman.

In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma disagreed with Pitroda’s comments, underscoring India’s unity in diversity. He tweeted, “Sam bhai (Brother), I am from the North East and I look like an Indian. We are a diverse country – we may look different but we are all one. Hamare desh ke bare mein thoda to samajh lo!”

Likewise, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh criticized Pitroda’s remarks, calling them “unfortunate” and “utter nonsense.” Singh demanded an apology from the Congress party, stating, “We all live together in India. We are all Indians. I feel very very sad and condemn this kind of comment by Congress.” He accused the party of having a hidden agenda to divide India on religious grounds and attributed the violence in Manipur to their influence.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed disapproval of Pitroda’s statement, highlighting its potential impact on India’s cultural fabric. Rijiju said, “This is not a personal opinion of Sam Pitroda. Congress takes all ideas from him, so Congress should not come out and say this is his personal comment. Rahul Gandhi and Pitroda had foreign thinking, they want to end our culture.”

Nagar questions Pitroda’s Inheritance Tax proposal

April 24, 2024, 7:00 pm

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Malook Nagar criticized Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda for suggesting the implementation of a US-like inheritance tax in India, questioning Pitroda’s mental state. Pitroda had advocated for a dialogue on adopting an inheritance tax similar to the US system to address wealth redistribution, citing the example where a significant portion of wealth is taxed upon inheritance. In response, Nagar expressed confusion over Pitroda’s statements and refrained from further comment.

Pitroda later clarified that he merely used the US inheritance tax as an example during a television discussion and did not propose such a policy for India. He questioned the reaction from the BJP and the media, emphasizing that his comments were part of a general conversation about policy matters. The Congress party distanced itself from Pitroda’s remarks, stating that they do not align with the party’s official stance.

Nagar also addressed Union Minister Smriti Irani’s comments about Rahul Gandhi’s brother-in-law, Robert Vadra, hinting at his potential involvement in politics. Irani had made remarks about Vadra’s interest in the Amethi Lok Sabha seat, which she herself contested. Nagar highlighted the ongoing internal conflicts within the Congress and its alliance partners, as well as the public disagreements between Vadra and the party.

The political tension surrounding the Amethi constituency intensified as posters of Robert Vadra appeared outside a Congress office, indicating a potential entry into electoral politics. This development comes amidst the uncertainty over the Congress party’s candidate selection for the Amethi seat.

Wealth Redistribution Row: Sam Pitroda Clarifies Position on Inheritance Tax

April 24, 2024, 12:09 pm

Sam Pitroda, Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, recently discussed the rationale behind wealth redistribution in a country, citing the example of the US inheritance tax. He emphasized that such policies are not solely in the interest of the super-rich but also benefit the public. Pitroda highlighted the difference between the US, where a portion of wealth is taxed upon inheritance, and India, where wealth can be inherited in full.

Following the attention his comments received, Pitroda clarified that his remarks had been distorted to divert focus from important issues. He reiterated that his mention of the US inheritance tax was simply an example and not a proposal for India.

In response, BJP leaders criticized Pitroda’s statement, with Amit Malviya expressing concern over the implications of a potential inheritance tax for hardworking individuals. Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of wanting to seize a significant portion of individuals’ earnings upon their death.

The debate on wealth distribution was ignited by Rahul Gandhi’s announcement of a survey to assess wealth distribution across various demographics in India. The Congress manifesto highlights the growing inequality between the rich and the poor, emphasizing the need for social and economic justice.

In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of attempting to extend reservations based on religion and conspiring to redistribute wealth among a select few. He criticized the Congress for allegedly stifling religious practices under its rule.

Sam Pitroda issued a clarification regarding his recent statement on inheritance tax, asserting that his remarks have been twisted to deflect attention from the core issues. He wrote on X, “It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PM’s comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal.”

It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PM’s comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal.

— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

“I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with the policy of any party including congress,” he further added.

I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts ? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with policy of any party including congress.

— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

Pitroda also said, “Who said 55% will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why is BJP and media in panic?”

Who said 55% will be taken away ? Who said some thing like this should be done in India ? Why is BJP and media in panic ?

— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

Sam Pitroda: People need to understand truth amid Rahul’s statement in UK

March 21, 2023, 6:37 pm

Sam Pitroda, Chairperson of the Overseas Indian National Congress, spoke extensively with “The Daily Guardian” about what Rahul Gandhi said in his recent interview in the UK.

Q: The BJP has repeatedly criticised Rahul Gandhi’s remarks made in the UK and demanded an apology before allowing him to speak in Parliament.

A: Sam Pitroda categorically stated that people must know and understand the truth. The first thing he said was, “Democracy in India is a worldwide good. It has an effect much beyond its boundaries. In my opinion, global democracy suffers a very serious, possibly deadly blow if Indian democracy deteriorates. Second statement: “There is a legitimate cause for serious concern regarding the state of Indian democracy, and thirdly, “he clearly mentioned that India is capable of dealing with its problem.” All the remarks of Rahul Gandhi were regarding the government, not the country, which were twisted afterwards.

Members of parliament are just slamming Rahul Gandhi for what he said about the government, forgetting that it’s Rahul Gandhi’s job to question the government as a Member of Parliament.

Q: Several Union ministers, including the defence minister Rajnath Singh, have demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi over his statement in the United Kingdom. What is your opinion about it?

A: He said, “All these people have made up their minds to attack Rahul Gandhi collectively, but first they should know that what has been said is for the government and not against the country.” He went on to say that today the world is experiencing the time of zoom, the internet, mobile phones, and social media, and whatever you say, it spreads like wildfire immediately, so it does not matter if you say anything in London or Pune.

He further added that this is the best way to divert the attention of the people. The crucial thing is the challenge the country has been facing right now. The issue of jobs and inflation has rocked the nation; besides this, the rise of violence against women is really heartbreaking. The matter of Adani’s business and its connection with the Prime Minister is a matter of great concern. All these issues are currently floating and should be discussed on a priority basis rather than in a general way that was suggested by Rahul Gandhi in a foreign country.

Q: As per the narrative, BJP leaders are accusing Rahul Gandhi of allegedly misusing power in his recent visit to the UK, where he interacted with journalists, academics, researchers, and civil society activists and said, “Our democracy is in danger, and other countries should interfere in it.”

A: Sam Pitroda said it is absolutely wrong; there is not an iota of truth in this statement.

Q: BJP and other members are adamant that the session will not resume until Rahul Gandhi apologizes. What is your view of it?

A: Sam Pitroda forcefully said there is no place for apology in this matter. The BJP and the Central government are misrepresenting Rahul’s remarks to gain political mileage as well as diverting people’s attention from the ongoing Adani crisis, which rocked the Parliament for days.

He further added that the media in India is biased and that the government has full control over the media. BJP leaders don’t like to face Rahul Gandhi, because he is the national leader of the Congress party, which is set to challenge the government. However, they are busy lying and twisting Rahul’s statements to dent his leadership quality and try to portray him as Pappu, which is baseless.