New Delhi, 17 Feb: The BJP on Monday attacked the Congress over reported remarks by Indian Overseas Congress leader Sam Pitroda, in which he appeared to downplay the threat posed by China to India. The ruling party claimed his comments align with past statements by Congress leaders that allegedly favored China.
BJP national spokesperson and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, addressing a press conference, linked Pitroda’s remarks to broader allegations against the opposition.
“All these things make clear the agenda of harming India. The ‘mohabbat ki dukan’ of the Congress is for anti-national forces, be it George Soros or China,” he said, accusing the party of fueling internal divisions along regional, caste, and linguistic lines.
Trivedi also recalled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s past praise for China’s economic growth and handling of unemployment.
“Pitroda’s remarks are a severe blow to India’s prestige, diplomacy, and sovereignty,” he said, alleging that Pitroda spoke as if India were the aggressor in the ongoing border tensions.
Pitroda, whose statements have frequently drawn BJP’s ire, was reported to have said that the China threat is exaggerated.
The Congress, however, distanced itself from his remarks. “The views reportedly expressed by Mr. Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress,” AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on X, affirming that China remains India’s top external security and economic challenge.
Ramesh also referenced the party’s January 28 statement, which questioned the Modi government’s approach to China, particularly in light of its announcement to normalize ties despite unresolved concerns over the October 21, 2024, disengagement agreement.
BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha further criticized the Congress, referencing past territorial losses to China.
“Those who ceded away 40,000 square km of our land to China still see no threat from the Dragon… no wonder Rahul Gandhi is in awe of China,” he said.
Trivedi also invoked the Galwan Valley clash, where 20 Indian soldiers died, calling Pitroda’s comments an insult to the military’s sacrifices.
He reiterated that while India seeks friendly relations with all nations, it will do so while maintaining its security and dignity.
The BJP leader also brought up foreign funding for “voter turnout” in India and the party’s allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi over his purported links to Pakistan. Demanding a clarification, Trivedi asserted, “There is no ground left for the Congress to defend itself.”
