BJP Slams Sam Pitroda Over ‘Felt at Home in Pakistan’ Remark, Alleges Congress Soft on Islamabad

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress after Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, said in an interview that he "felt at home" during visits to Pakistan. The BJP alleged that the remark reflects Congress's long-standing soft corner for Pakistan and questioned the party’s commitment to national security.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to social media platform X to criticise Pitroda and the Congress leadership. He described Pitroda as a close ally and “family friend” of Rahul Gandhi, and accused him of having a history of controversial statements — including his previous “Hua to Hua” remark on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

"Rahul Gandhi’s closest ally & family friend Uncle Sam Pitroda... says he feels at home in Pakistan. Why is anyone surprised? Congress has an undying love for Pakistan. They even communicated with Hafiz Saeed through Yasin Malik!" Poonawalla claimed.

He went on to allege that the Congress has consistently taken stances favourable to Pakistan, whether it was “giving clean chits” on major terror attacks like 26/11 Mumbai, the Samjhauta Express bombing, Pulwama, or the recent Pahalgam attack.

“Congress articulates Pakistan’s position on Article 370, Surgical Strikes, and Operation Sindoor. They undermine our armed forces and gave away 80% of river water to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. This is why we call them the ‘Islamabad National Congress,’” Poonawalla said.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “No wonder the UPA took no tough action against Pakistan even after the 26/11 attacks. Pakistan’s favourite, Congress’s chosen!”

The controversy stems from Pitroda’s recent interview with IANS, where he emphasized the importance of India prioritising its neighbourhood in foreign policy. He acknowledged the challenges of terrorism and violence but said India should still aim to improve regional ties.

“I’ve been to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal — I don’t feel like I’m in a foreign country. There’s a common gene pool,” Pitroda said, advocating for peace and cooperation in South Asia.

The remarks have ignited a fresh political row, with the BJP using them to target Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over their alleged proximity to anti-India elements.