Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) chairman Sam Pitroda has once again found himself at the center of controversy after his remarks on China, prompting strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP accused Pitroda of undermining India’s sovereignty and aligning with what it called the Congress party’s pro-China stance. The remarks also forced the Congress to clarify that his views do not represent the party.
Pitroda Questions China’s Threat to India
In an interview with IANS, Pitroda questioned the perception of China as a threat and argued that India should focus on collaboration rather than confrontation.
“I don’t know what the threat from China is. I think this issue is often blown out of proportion because the US has a habit of defining an enemy,” Pitroda said. He added that assuming China as an enemy “from day one is unfair” and urged for better communication and cooperation instead of a command-and-control approach.
BJP’s Sharp Reaction
His remarks triggered a furious response from the BJP, with party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claiming that Pitroda’s statement exposed Congress’s alignment with China.
“Sam Pitroda has openly revealed the Congress party’s agreement with China. This is a deep blow to India’s identity, diplomacy, and sovereignty,” Trivedi stated.
The BJP demanded a clear explanation from Congress, asserting that Pitroda’s views aligned with billionaire investor George Soros, whom the party often accuses of influencing Indian politics.
“Whatever Pitroda has said… it seems like the lyrics are by Pitroda, the music is composed by Soros, and Congress, along with INDI alliance leaders, is playing the symphony,” Trivedi added.
Congress Distances Itself from Pitroda’s Comments
Facing backlash, Congress swiftly distanced itself from Pitroda’s remarks. Party general secretary Jairam Rameshclarified that his comments do not reflect the party’s official stance.
“China remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, and economic challenge. The Congress has repeatedly questioned the Modi government’s approach to China, including the PM’s public clean chit on June 19, 2020. Our most recent statement on China was on January 28, 2025,” Ramesh wrote on X.
Congress leader Raashid Alvi echoed this stance, stating: “China was, and still is, an enemy. If any Congress leader says otherwise, they should remember that Rahul Gandhi has consistently maintained that China has occupied our land. If someone contradicts this, then we don’t need external enemies—our own people are fueling the fire.”
Pitroda’s Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Sam Pitroda’s remarks have embarrassed Congress. His previous comments on wealth redistribution and inheritance tax were seized upon by the BJP, which accused Congress of wanting to “loot” the people.
