The debate over illegal migration has taken centre stage once again, this time with a statement from Congress leader Sam Pitroda. His remarks advocating the inclusion of illegal migrants have sparked controversy, providing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with fresh ammunition against the Congress.
During his campaign in Delhi, Pitroda suggested that India should accommodate everyone, even if it means sharing resources and facing difficulties. His statement has reignited discussions on national security and illegal immigration, an issue that has remained a focal point for the BJP.
A video of Pitroda’s remarks has gone viral, where he criticised the Narendra Modi government’s strict measures against illegal migrants, particularly those from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
He questioned the government’s focus on immigration policies and argued that global issues like climate change should take priority.
His remarks, coming just before the Delhi elections, have intensified the political debate, especially with the BJP promising to remove illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya settlers if elected.
The BJP was quick to react, calling Pitroda’s comments a reflection of Congress’s alleged vote-bank politics. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari condemned the remarks, accusing the Congress of encouraging illegal migration for electoral benefits.
He described Pitroda’s statement as irresponsible and said it exposed the Congress’s long-standing approach towards illegal migration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously accused the Congress of favouring illegal migrants, and Pitroda’s remarks have only strengthened this argument.
The BJP has also alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has facilitated documents for illegal migrants to secure their votes, an accusation that AAP has denied but remains a part of the BJP’s narrative.
Illegal immigration has remained a contentious issue in Indian politics, especially in states like Assam, West Bengal and Delhi. The BJP has repeatedly framed it as a threat to national security and an economic burden.
Pitroda’s comments, seen as dismissing these concerns, have created further complications for the Congress, particularly at a time when the Delhi elections are approaching.
The upcoming elections in Delhi, scheduled for February, have already seen an aggressive campaign by the BJP, with a strong emphasis on removing illegal migrants.
Pitroda’s remarks have added to the BJP’s argument, allowing them to portray the Congress as indifferent to the security and welfare of Indian citizens. The Congress, on the other hand, is struggling to counter this perception as Pitroda’s statement dominates the political discourse.
This is not the first time that Pitroda’s words have led to controversy. Over the years, he has made several remarks that have embarrassed the Congress and provided political opponents with opportunities to attack the party.
In 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack, Pitroda questioned the Indian Air Force’s Balakot airstrikes and asked for proof. His comments led to a backlash, with the BJP portraying them as weak on national security.
During the same year, while promoting the Congress’s income guarantee scheme, Pitroda remarked that India’s middle class should pay higher taxes to support the poor. This statement alienated middle-class voters, forcing Congress leaders to clarify their position.
Another major controversy erupted when Pitroda dismissed the 1984 anti-Sikh riots with the phrase “Hua toh hua” (What happened, happened). His casual response drew sharp criticism from the BJP and forced Rahul Gandhi to distance himself from the remarks.
Pitroda later issued an apology, but the damage had already been done.
His comments on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in 2023 also stirred controversy. He stated that temples would not create jobs or address economic problems, which the BJP used to portray the Congress as anti-Hindu.
Earlier this year, Pitroda was again at the centre of a storm when he endorsed an article that downplayed Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s role in drafting the Indian Constitution. His remarks led to accusations that the Congress was disrespecting Ambedkar’s legacy, further complicating the party’s position.
More recently, Pitroda’s support for inheritance tax proposals and his statements on India’s diversity using racially sensitive analogies led to further backlash.
Despite stepping down from his role as chief of the Indian Overseas Congress after the controversy, he was later reinstated, which drew criticism from the BJP.
Despite the repeated controversies, the Congress has continued to rely on Pitroda, given his close association with Rahul Gandhi and his expertise in technology and governance.
However, his frequent misstatements have often overshadowed the party’s broader electoral messaging and given the BJP opportunities to strengthen its attacks.
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