'People In East Look Like Chinese, South Indians Like Africans'; Sam Pitroda Makes Racist Remarks Modi Condemns

Pitroda's statement, suggesting that people from India's East resemble Chinese and those from the South resemble Africans, triggered a wave of condemnation

Digital Desk: In a recent statement, senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda sparked controversy with comments on the appearance of Indians from different regions. Pitroda's remarks, deemed racist by many, have drawn sharp criticism, providing ammunition for the BJP's attack on the Congress party.

Pitroda's statement, suggesting that people from India's East resemble Chinese and those from the South resemble Africans, triggered a wave of condemnation, particularly from BJP Chief Ministers in the Northeast. Manipur's CM N Biren Singh demanded an apology from Congress, accusing them of having a divisive agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Telangana, expressed outrage over the insult, likening Pitroda's comments to discrimination based on skin colour. He emphasised that such remarks undermine the capabilities of fellow Indians and vowed not to tolerate such insults.

“One Shehjade uncle lives in America. When there is any confusion, he seeks the opinion of his uncle. His uncle said those whose skin is black color are African. He called our Indian people African. Now I understand why they keep insulting our president, Droupdi Murmu. Just because her skin colour is black, they thought she was African and they should defeat her. Shehjade’s uncle Sam Pitroda is his third umpire,” Modi said at a rally in Telangana’s Warrangal, as quoted by News 18.

Sam Pitodra Hashtag is trending on Twitter as backlashes rise to over 27k on the platform. One Think Tanker, Abhijit Iyer, posting his own picture, writes, “Hi @sampitroda I’m half East Indian & half South Indian - I don’t look “Chinese” or “African”. And hate to break it to you but you don’t look very “Arab” either - the closest you get to “Arab” is probably looking like a South Indian waiter at Dubai/Doha Airport.”

The Congress party swiftly distanced itself from Pitroda's remarks, labelling them as "unfortunate and unacceptable." Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for sensitivity in discussing India's diversity.

Pitroda's controversial remarks have reignited the debate on identity and diversity in India, with BJP leaders accusing Congress of harbouring a divisive mindset. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan Sam criticised Pitroda's comments, asserting that they reflect poorly on Congress' understanding of India's heritage.

The incident underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding identity politics in India, with parties seizing on divisive remarks to score political points. As the debate continues, it raises broader questions about inclusivity and respect for diversity in Indian society.