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.