Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the Congress party’s decision to reinstate Sam Pitroda as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, taking to social media to express his disapproval on June 27. His comments followed Pitroda’s reinstatement to his former role earlier that day.
In a statement posted on X, CM Himanta remarked, “Congress can never improve. The honourable Prime Minister had already exposed Congress’ deceptive policies and intentions. As soon as the elections concluded, the chief advisor to the family (Congress) who disparaged Northeast Bharat has returned.”
The BJP in Assam also condemned the reinstatement, accusing the Congress of inconsistency. “Congress has displayed a lack of integrity by reinstating Sam Pitroda, who created controversy with his remarks against the sentiments of the nation,” the BJP stated in a social media post.
“The individual, who referred to North-Eastern people as Chinese has been quietly reinstated to his previous position after the elections,” the BJP’s statement continued.
Sam Pitroda had resigned from his position as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress on May 8 amidst controversy sparked by his comments comparing Indians from different regions to other ethnic groups. His remarks, particularly those drawing comparisons to Chinese and Africans, were strongly criticized by the BJP as “racist and divisive”.
Following the backlash, the Congress party had distanced itself from Pitroda’s statements, calling them ‘unacceptable’.
