Congress Distances Itself from Sam Pitroda’s China Remarks, Says Views Are His Own

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh addressed the growing controversy surrounding Sam Pitroda’s comments on China, emphasizing that his views do not reflect those of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Ramesh made the clarification through a post on microblogging platform X, where he reaffirmed that China remains India’s primary foreign policy, external security, and economic challenge.

“The views reportedly expressed by 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 wrote on X.

He also criticized the Modi government for its approach to China, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on June 19, 2020, and lamented Parliament’s lack of discussion on the matter.

Sam Pitroda’s Comments on India-China Relations

Sam Pitroda, who heads the Congress’ overseas unit, recently made controversial remarks downplaying the threat posed by China. In an interview with news agency IANS, he suggested that the perception of China as a threat is exaggerated.

“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 stated.

BJP’s Sharp Reaction to Pitroda’s Comments

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly responded, condemning Pitroda’s remarks and accusing the Congress of aligning with China’s interests.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized Pitroda, stating that his comments reflect the Congress party’s broader stance.

“It is a blow to India’s prestige,” Trivedi remarked, alleging that Pitroda’s words imply that India, rather than China, is the aggressor. The BJP also called the remarks a “deep blow to India’s identity, diplomacy, and sovereignty.”

Congress’ Previous Attempts to Reign in Pitroda’s Statements

This is not the first time Sam Pitroda has stirred controversy with his comments. In a previous instance, he made remarks on India’s diversity, which led to accusations of racism and a colonial mindset.

As a result, he was removed from his position as Chairman of Overseas Indian Congress for over a month in 2024.

Following his reinstatement in June, he assured that he would avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted. However, his latest remarks on China have reignited criticism.

Pitroda’s Comments Contradict Rahul Gandhi’s Stance

Pitroda’s remarks on China contrast sharply with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s stance in Parliament. Gandhi has repeatedly alleged that India lost a portion of its territory to China, a claim that the Modi government has denied.

Pitroda’s statement, which suggests a less confrontational approach toward China, undermines the party’s official position and has added fuel to the political debate.

BJP Accuses Congress of Prioritizing China’s Interests

The BJP has further attacked the Congress by linking Pitroda’s remarks to past agreements between the Congress party and China. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the Congress of “betraying India’s interests and prioritizing China’s.”

“Rahul Gandhi’s right-hand man Sam Pitroda: ‘China isn’t our enemy’! This man sings endless praises of China while Congress party’s signing of MoU in 2008 reveal 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.

Political Fallout and Ongoing Controversy

The controversy surrounding Pitroda’s comments continues to escalate, with both the Congress and BJP firmly holding their positions.

While Congress has attempted to distance itself from Pitroda’s statements, the BJP has used them to attack the opposition party ahead of upcoming elections.

As the debate over India-China relations remains a crucial political issue, Pitroda’s remarks have further intensified discussions on how India should navigate its foreign policy challenges.

Whether this controversy will impact Congress’ electoral prospects remains to be seen.