The Congress party has reinstated Sam Pitroda as the Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, effective immediately, weeks after he resigned amidst controversy over his remarks on the diversity of Indian appearances. KC Venugopal, a senior leader, announced the decision, emphasizing the Congress President’s decision to reinstate Pitroda despite the previous outcry.
Sam Pitroda had stepped down from his position on May 8 following widespread criticism for his comments during an interview with The Statesman, where he likened Indians in different regions to Chinese, Africans, Arabs, and White people. His remarks were condemned by various political figures, including senior Congress members who termed them “unfortunate and unacceptable,” asserting that they did not reflect the party’s stance.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also denounced Pitroda’s comments as “racist and divisive,” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing strong disapproval. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Pitroda, highlighting the diverse yet unified nature of India and condemning his perceived biases.
Despite the controversy, Congress’ decision to reinstate Pitroda has reignited debate and criticism, particularly regarding the party’s stance on inclusivity and sensitivity to cultural diversity.