The BJP today slammed Congress over party’s overseas unit chief Sam Pitroda' 'gaffe' that Pakistan is like a home to him. BJP has hit back over remarks, accusing the Congress of having an “undying love” for Pakistan.
Pitroda's remarks sparked a political storm when he said that he “felt at home” during his visit to Pakistan as he also batted for improving his relationship with the neighbour. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly seized on his statement to attack the Congress, mocking it as the “Islamabad National Congress” and accusing the party of having a soft corner for Pakistan, coming in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed.
Briefing media in New Delhi on Friday, BJP Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that Pitroda’s remarks are anti-national. He alleged that Pitroda’s remarks reflect Congress’ soft corner for Pakistan. Bhandari said, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation for Pitroda’s statement.
Bhandari said, “Rahul Gandhi's blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he 'felt at home' in Pakistan. No wonder UPA took no tough action against Pak even after 26/11. Pakistan's favourite, Congress's chosen! Shehzad Poonawalla mocked the Congress as “Islamabad National Congress” and said, “Rahul Gandhi’s closest ally & leader, family friend Uncle Sam Pitroda (who said Hua to Hua for 1984 Anti Sikh Genocide), who made racially disgusting comments on Indians, says he feels at home in Pakistan. Why is it surprising - Congress has undying love for Pakistan. They even spoke to Hafiz Saeed via Yasin Malik!”
In an interview, Sam Pitroda said, “Our foreign policy, according to me, must first focus on our neighbourhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbours?”“They are all small. They all need help. They are all going through difficult times, and there's no need to fight. Of course, there is a problem of violence; of course, there is a problem of terrorism. All that is there, but at the end of the day, in that neighbourhood, there is a common gene pool.”
He continued, “I've been to Pakistan, and I must tell you, I felt at home. I've been to Bangladesh, I've been to Nepal, and I feel at home. I don't feel like I'm in a foreign country.”
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Rahul Gandhi's blue-eyed boy & Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he 'felt at home' in Pakistan. No wonder UPA took no tough action against Pak even after 26/11. Pakistan's favourite, Congress's chosen! ”
Shehzad Poonawalla mocked the Congress as “Islamabad National Congress” and said, “Rahul Gandhi’s closest ally & leader, family friend Uncle Sam Pitroda (who said Hua to Hua for 1984 Anti Sikh Genocide), who made racially disgusting comments on Indians, says he feels at home in Pakistan. Why is it surprising - Congress has undying love for Pakistan. They even spoke to Hafiz Saeed via Yasin Malik!”
“They give clean chit to Pak on 26/11, Samjhauta, Pulwama & Pahalgam - they articulate Pak position on 370 & Sindoor and Surgical Strike & undermine our forces! They give 80% water to Pak under IWT! They love Pakistan! INC is Islamabad National Congress. Sam Pitroda who divides Indians & stays in US away from India finds a home in Pakistan! Is anyone surprised?”, he added.
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