Rahul Gandhi’s Aide Sam Pitroda Says ‘Felt at Home in Pakistan’; BJP Hits Back at Congress

Entrepreneur Sam Pitroda Bats for Peace Talks Between India And Pakistan

Congress leader Sam Pitroda, in a recent interview, said India should “prioritise its neighbour” to offer support and cooperation despite obstacles like violence and terrorism. Rahul Gandhi’s deputy, Pitroda’s comment, “felt at home” in Pakistan, immediately attracted criticisms from BJP leaders.

Pitroda’s remarks came in response to a question on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump could rein in China.

What did Sam Pitroda Say?

In an interview with IANS, Congress leader Sam Pitroda urged the Indian government to prioritise talks with its neighbours. 

"Our foreign policy, according to me, must first focus on our neighbourhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbours?... I've been to Pakistan, and I must tell you, I felt at home. I've been to Bangladesh, I've been to Nepal, and I feel at home. I don't feel like I'm in a foreign country..." Mr Pitroda said.

Mr Pitroda said that India's foreign policy should begin by strengthening ties with countries in the region, including Pakistan.

Verbal Attacks from BJP Leaders

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reacted strongly after the Congress overseas chief’s comment, calling it evidence of an alleged soft corner for Islamabad.

Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP national spokesperson, said, “Rahul Gandhi’s closest ally & leader, family friend Uncle Sam Pitroda (who said Hua to Hua for 1984 Anti Sikh Genocide), who made racially disgusting comments on Indians, says he feels at home in Pakistan. Why is it surprising - Congress has undying love for Pakistan. They even spoke to Hafiz Saeed via Yasin Malik!”

He added that Congress always exposes India’s security and interests “They give a clean chit to Pak on 26/11, Samjhauta, Pulwama & Pahalgam - they articulate Pak position on 370 & Sindoor and Surgical Strike & undermine our forces! They give 80% water to Pak under IWT! They love Pakistan! INC is the Islamabad National Congress. Sam Pitroda, who divides Indians & stays in the US away from India, finds a home in Pakistan! Is anyone surprised?” 

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy & Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan. No wonder the UPA took no tough action against Pakistan even after 26/11. Pakistan’s favourite, Congress’s chosen!"

Sam Pitroda’s Earlier Controversial Remarks

In February, amidst an unstable relationship with China, Pitroda asked the Centre to adopt a collaborative approach with the neighbouring country.

"I don't understand the threat from China. I think this issue is often blown out of proportion because the US tends to define an enemy. I believe the time has come for all nations to collaborate, not confront. 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," Pitroda said.

Sam Pitroda has long been a trusted adviser to the Gandhi family. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as a technocrat close to then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.