The BJP has launched an offensive over the Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda's remarks concerning the appearances of Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the BJP, has aimed criticisms at Congress and Rahul Gandhi following Pitroda's statement.
While addressing an election rally in Warangal, Telangana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi harshly criticized Congress and Rahul Gandhi over Sam Pitroda's statement. He expressed deep anger, saying, "Today, I am filled with rage. A 'prince's uncle' has insulted our countrymen, triggering my anger. Those who hold the Constitution in high esteem are now tarnishing our nation's image.
PM Modi remarked that during his government, Draupadi Murmu, a tribal daughter, was made the President, but Congress opposed this vehemently. He said, "I always wondered why Congress worked so hard to defeat Draupadi ji, who has an excellent reputation and comes from the tribal community. My suspicions were confirmed today - they thought Draupadi Murmu to be African because of her skin color and hence unworthy. Such a mindset was revealed to me today.
"Are all the people with dark skin from Africa? My country will not tolerate such insults based on skin color, and neither will Modi," said PM Modi, appealing for an answer from the 'prince,' referring to Rahul Gandhi. He continued, "Whether skin color is black or white, we worship Shri Krishna. This kind of disrespect is not acceptable.
Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma gave a tough response to Pitroda's statement by stating, "I am from the Northeast and I look Indian. We believe in unity amidst diversity. We may look different, but we are one. Please try to understand our country better!"
"Sam Pitroda does not understand India; he is an advisor to Rahul Gandhi. Now we know why Rahul Gandhi makes such irresponsible statements," indicatted BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi of the BJP labeled Pitroda a 'proxy professor' for Rahul Gandhi, claiming their knowledge has reduced the party from national stature to just neighborhood relevance.
Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Railways, commented on Pitroda's statement saying, "These people are desperate and speak anything. This is shameful. Apart from dividing the country, they have nothing else to say."
Kangana Ranaut, also an actress and BJP candidate from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, did not hold back in criticizing Congress and Rahul Gandhi. She condemned Sam Pitroda's racist and divisive comments about Indians, stating that their entire ideology is about divide and rule, and labelling Indians as Chinese or African is deplorable.
What did Sam Pitroda say?
Sam Pitroda, the president of the Indian Overseas Congress, controversially compared residents of different parts of India. He described India as a country with immense diversity, where people from the East look like Chinese, those from the West like Arabs, those from the North like Caucasians, and those from the South resemble Africans. He suggested that despite these differences, respect is maintained for various languages, religions, and customs, underscoring his belief in India's unity and compromise among its people.
Pitroda's previous statements on inheritance tax had sparked controversy. His comments were a response to Rahul Gandhi's suggestion that if Congress were to come into power, a survey would determine the wealth distribution among citizens.
Pitroda pointed out that in the US, inheritance tax is levied, saying upon the death of a person owning $10 million in assets, 45% is transferred to their children, and the government claims 55%. He favored discussing such issues and implementing new policies that serve public interests rather than just the wealthy.
