The Congress party has reappointed Sam Pithroda as the chairperson of its overseas unit just two months after his resignation. The significant decision was announced by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and endorsed by party chief Mallikaarjun Kharge. Pithroda, a veteran technocrat and close associate of the Gandhi family, has been involved in several controversies but remains an important figure in the party’s strategy.
Pithroda initially resigned on May 8, a decision the party described as taken ‘on his own accord.’ This move was widely seen as damage control after his divisive comments on inheritance tax during the critical phases of the Lok Sabha elections.
In an interview, Pithroda’s remarks on India’s regional diversity sparked a political uproar. He had commented, “We hold a country together as diverse as India where in the east people look like Chinese, people in the west look like Arabs, people in the north look like white and in the south look like Africa. Doesn’t matter. We are all brother and sisters.” These remarks were criticized as culturally insensitive.
Modi used Pithroda’s comments to criticize the Congress during his election campaign. He referred to Pithroda as Rahul Gandhi’s ‘philosophical guide’ and accused the Congress on trying to defeat ‘tribal leader’ now President Droupadi Murmu. Modi’s remarks aimed to portray Pithroda’s views as reflective of the Congress party’s attitude.
Before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he faced backlash for suggesting that the middle class should pay more taxes to support poor households, urging them not to be “selfish.” This statement led to turmoil within the party. He also opposed the Indian Air Force’s Balakot airstrikes, arguing against blaming all citizens of Pakistan for terrorist attacks. Furthermore, his comments on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots caused significant damage to the Congress party’s image during a crucial election period.
In June 2023, Pitroda questioned the national focus on religious issues like the Ram Mandir construction. Speaking at an event in the United States, he expressed frustration that critical issues like inflation, employment, and education were being overshadowed by religious debates. He emphasized that national issues should be the priority, not religious ones.
The BJP criticized Congress for reinstating Pitroda, calling his resignation a “poll gimmick” anticipated by Prime Minister Modi. BJP leaders argued that Pitroda’s controversial views represented the Congress party and were not merely his personal opinions.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Sam Pitroda’s expertise and influence are considered valuable by the Congress party. His reappointment highlights the party’s strategic decisions as it navigates complex political landscapes.
