Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly condemned Congress leader Sam Pitroda's recent remarks on India's diversity, labeling them as racist and inflammatory.
Pitroda's comments, which sought to categorise Indian residents based on their facial features, have ignited a nationwide controversy.
Expressing dismay at Pitroda's divisive rhetoric, Sarma remarked, "After his comment referring to people of the North East as Chinese, I looked at myself in the mirror. I look like an Assamese, an Indian. I don’t look like a Chinese from any angle." He criticized Pitroda's statement as both racially insensitive and hurtful, questioning the Congress leader's motives behind such remarks.
Sarma also took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting that individuals associated with him often harbor misconceptions about the North East. He emphasized, "Sam Pitroda’s remark is racist, condemnable and does not sound respectable."
Asserting his pride in Assamese identity and Indian nationality, Sarma reaffirmed the resilience of the North East against racial prejudice. "I want to tell him that every Northeastern is proud of their identity. We are proud Indians," he declared.
Criticising Pitroda's mindset and urging respect for the region's sentiments, Sarma said, "Do not challenge our story, our sentiments."
He credited the Narendra Modi-led government for fostering a cultural shift in attitudes towards the North East, claiming that racism against Northeasterners has significantly diminished in recent years.
Sarma lambasted Rahul Gandhi for perpetuating divisive politics and accused Pitroda of being complicit in spreading hatred and racism.
He questioned the Congress party's failure to take decisive action against Pitroda, pointing to its reluctance to dismiss him from his position as chairman of Indian Overseas Congress.
Highlighting Pitroda's decision to change his birth name, Sarma suggested that such actions could indicate a willingness to disregard established norms and potentially destabilise the country.
He criticised the Congress party for allegedly advocating racism and dismissed Priyanka Gandhi's characterisation of the incident as "useless," highlighting its profound impact on regional sentiments.
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