Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 19: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday lashed out at Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda after he said he “felt at home” in Pakistan, calling the remark proof of the party’s alleged soft corner for Islamabad.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Congress of having an “undying love” for Pakistan and even alleged past communication with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed through separatist leader Yasin Malik.
“Rahul Gandhi’s closest ally and family friend, Uncle Sam Pitroda—who once said ‘Hua to Hua’ about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and made racially disgusting comments on Indians—now says he feels at home in Pakistan. Why is anyone surprised? Congress has undying love for Pakistan. They even spoke to Hafiz Saeed via Yasin Malik!” Poonawalla posted on X.
Poonawalla further charged that Congress has repeatedly sided with Pakistan, undermining India’s security.
“They gave a clean chit to Pakistan on 26/11, Samjhauta, Pulwama and Pahalgam incidents, and echoed Pakistan’s stance on Article 370, surgical strikes and even the Indus Waters Treaty. They love Pakistan! INC stands for Islamabad National Congress. Sam Pitroda, who divides Indians and lives in the US, finds a home in Pakistan. Is anyone surprised?” he added.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also slammed the Congress leader, saying, “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan. No wonder the UPA took no tough action after 26/11. Pakistan’s favourite, Congress’s chosen!”
Pitroda’s remarks came during an interview where he advocated for stronger ties with India’s neighbours.
“Our foreign policy must first focus on our neighbourhood. Can we substantially improve relationships with our neighbours? They are small and need help. There’s no need to fight,” Pitroda said.
“Of course there is a problem of violence and terrorism, but at the end of the day there is a common gene pool. I’ve been to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal—I don’t feel like I’m in a foreign country,” he added.