New Delhi (TIP)- Sam Pitroda’s “felt at home in Pakistan” remark on Friday handed the BJP ammunition to target the Congress. The BJP said his “Pakistan-friendly remarks” had Rahul Gandhi’s “silent support” and attempted to establish that the “heart of the Gandhi family does not reside in India but in Pakistan”.
Pitroda, the Indian Overseas Congress chief, clarified he meant to “emphasise the shared history and people-to-people bonds” without overlooking the “pain, conflict, or the grave challenges we face from terror and geopolitical tensions.”
During a recent interview, Pitroda had said that India’s neighbourhood must be a prime focus when it comes to foreign policy. “…Can we really substantially improve our relationship with our neighbours? They are all small, they all need help, they are all going through difficult times and there is no need to fight. Of course, there is a problem of violence…and terrorism, all that is there. But at the end of the day, in that neighbourhood, there is a common gene pool.”
“I’ve been to Pakistan and I must tell you that I felt at home. I’ve been to Bangladesh…Nepal, and I feel at home. I don’t feel like I’m in a foreign country. They look like me, they talk like me, they like my songs, they eat my food…so I must learn to live with them in peace and harmony; that’s my first priority,” he said.
Taking aim at Pitroda, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari asked how any patriot could say “Pakistan feels like home” in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
“His statement reflects the thinking of the top leadership of the Congress party and insults our soldiers and 140 crore citizens. If this is not anti-national, then what is?” Bhandari asked.
“Gandhi says he wants to struggle against the Indian state and Pitroda calls Pakistan his home. Building closeness with terrorists and respecting the terror-sponsoring Pakistan is a Congress habit, which is an insult to India’s sovereignty, integrity and the valour of our brave soldiers,” Bhandari said.
Pitroda stated that his intention was to draw attention to “the realities we face” — ranging from “concerns about the electoral process, the importance of civil society and youth, and India’s role — both in its neighborhood and globally.” In a statement, he said, “If my words have caused confusion or hurt, I want to clarify that my aim was never to belittle anyone’s suffering or undermine legitimate concerns, but to foster honest conversation, empathy and a more grounded and responsible approach to how India sees itself and is seen by others.”
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Great post, you have pointed out some great details , I also conceive this s a very fantastic website.
I’ve read several just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you set to make one of these excellent informative site.
I like this web site very much, Its a real nice position to read and find info .
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb site!
I was examining some of your blog posts on this site and I think this internet site is real informative! Retain posting.
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
An fascinating dialogue is value comment. I think that it’s best to write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo topic however typically people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
obviously like your website but you need to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will definitely come back again.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Super-Duper website! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am bookmarking your feeds also.
Fantastic site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your sweat!
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100 positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it
I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you set to create one of these wonderful informative site.
There is clearly a bunch to realize about this. I consider you made some nice points in features also.
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? With thanks
As I website owner I conceive the articles here is very great, regards for your efforts.
This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
I like this web site very much so much fantastic info .
Dead composed subject matter, thanks for entropy.
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.