BJP slams Cong over Sam Pitroda’s ‘felt at home in Pak’ remark

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.”