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Amidst the controversy surrounding his recent remarks, Sam Pitroda, a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, has stepped down as the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. Mr. Pitroda's statements had sparked outrage, particularly among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing criticism for their perceived divisive nature.
Mr. Pitroda's comments, which attempted to highlight India's diverse population, sparked a political firestorm. He had stated that people from different regions of India had distinct physical appearances, drawing comparisons to Chinese, Arab, White, and African features. These remarks were met with widespread condemnation, with critics accusing Mr. Pitroda of promoting racial stereotypes and downplaying the country's unity.
In response to the uproar, the Congress party attempted to distance itself from Mr. Pitroda's statements. However, the BJP seized upon the opportunity to portray the Congress as divisive and anti-national. Prime Minister Modi, in particular, expressed anger and accused the Congress of insulting Indian citizens based on their skin color. Other BJP leaders, including Chief Ministers from the Northeast, echoed these sentiments, further escalating the controversy.
Faced with mounting pressure and criticism, Mr. Pitroda submitted his resignation as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. The Congress party acknowledged his decision and emphasized that it was made voluntarily. This move was seen as an attempt to contain the damage caused by Mr. Pitroda's remarks and prevent them from overshadowing the party's electoral campaign.
The controversy surrounding Mr. Pitroda's statements has highlighted the challenges faced by the Congress party in maintaining unity and discipline within its ranks. Mr. Pitroda's history of making controversial remarks has raised concerns within the party about his suitability for a leadership position. The BJP, on the other hand, has capitalized on this incident to portray the Congress as divided and out of touch with the concerns of the Indian people.
Source: Amid row over controversial remarks, Sam Pitroda steps down as chairman of Indian Overseas Congress