The Congress party distanced itself from controversial remarks made by Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitroda, in which he suggested that it was unfair to “assume China is an enemy from day one.” His comments stoked a fiery response from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), putting the Opposition party in a very difficult position.
In a statement, Congress communication-in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, “The views reportedly expressed by Mr. Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress.” He reiterated that China “remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, as well as economic challenge as well.”
Ramesh also criticized the Modi government’s handling of China, stating that Congress has consistently questioned the government’s approach. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on June 19, 2020 pertaining to the Galwan Valley clashes, which, according to Congress, gave a public “clean chit” to China regarding border tensions. He also pointed out Congress’ most recent statement on the issue was made on January 28, 2025.
Pitroda’s Remarks
In an interview with IANS, Pitroda questioned the perception of China as a threat, saying that such concerns were often exaggerated due to geopolitical influences. He remarked that, “I don’t know what the threat from China is. It is always blown out of proportion because the US has the habit of defining an enemy. I think the time has come for all of us to really network nations and to not have confrontation.”
Pitroda further asserted that an attitude of hostility generates conflict and domestic political support, which he deemed to be counterproductive. “To assume China is an enemy from day one is not fair – not just to China but to anyone,” he added.
He also emphasised the need to for increased communication, collaboration, and cooperation rather than maintaining a “command-and-control mindset.”
“China is around, it is growing. You have to recognise and respect that. And every other country is going to grow. Some will grow faster, some slower. Those who are poor have to grow faster. Those who are well accomplished, developed, they will experience slower growth. Those who are developed will also have ageing population. And those who are developing will have young population. You have to look at all this together,” he said.
BJP’s Condemnation
His remarks drew significant criticism, with the BJP leaders accusing the Congress party of having a soft stance on China.
They alleged that Pitroda’s comments reflect Congress’ long-standing pattern of leniency towards China. BJP leaders pointed to past remarks by congress figures, arguing that they align with what they perceive as an inclination to downplay the strategic challenges posed by China.
This is not the first time that Pitroda has found himself in the hornet’s nest. He is known for controversial remarks which often land him in hot water, such as questioning the Indian Air Force’s claim of successfully targeting terror camps in the Balakot Air Strikes and comparing South and East Indians to South Africans and Chinese.
In 2019, Pitroda dismissed 1985 Anti-Sikh riots with a dismissive remark, “Hua toh Hua” (It happened, so what?), when questioned about Congress’ role in the riots. His remarks drew intense scrutiny from the BJP and Sikh Organizations, who accused him of being insensitive towards the thousands killed in the pogrom. Even then, Congress had to step in and clarify that the views expressed were his own and not those of the party.
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Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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