Sam Pitroda, senior Congress leader and head of the Indian Overseas Congress, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. His recent comment about feeling “at home” in neighboring countries, including Pakistan, triggered sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and ignited a political debate. Facing criticism, Pitroda issued a detailed clarification, stating that his intention was never to undermine India’s pain or national interests but to emphasize shared history and people-to-people connections in the subcontinent.
Clarification on X (Formerly Twitter)
— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) September 19, 2025
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Sam Pitroda wrote that his remark was aimed at highlighting “shared history and people-to-people bonds” among the countries of South Asia. He stressed that he did not intend to “ignore pain, conflict, or the grave challenges we face from terror and geopolitical tensions.”
“My intention has always been to call attention to the realities we face: concerns about the electoral process, the importance of civil society and youth, and India’s role – both in its neighborhood and globally,” he said.
Pitroda further explained that if his words caused confusion or hurt, it was not deliberate. His goal, he said, was to foster honest conversation, empathy, and a more responsible approach toward how India sees itself and is perceived by the world.
The Controversial Comment
The controversy began during an interview with news agency IANS, where Sam Pitroda said that India’s foreign policy should prioritize the neighborhood. While speaking about his visits to countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, he remarked that he felt “at home” there.
“Our foreign policy, according to me, must first focus on our neighborhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbors? 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,” Pitroda said.
Although his larger point was about regional cooperation, his inclusion of Pakistan in the statement immediately sparked backlash.
BJP’s Strong Response
The BJP wasted no time in seizing on the remark. Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari targeted both the Congress and its leadership, claiming that such statements reveal a soft corner for Pakistan.
“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 favorite, Congress’s chosen!” Bhandari said in a scathing attack.
The BJP has frequently used Pitroda’s remarks to question the Congress party’s approach toward national security and foreign policy. This latest controversy has added fuel to the already heated political atmosphere ahead of elections.
Past Controversies
This is not the first time Sam Pitroda has landed in trouble for his comments. Known for being outspoken, he has previously made statements that created political storms.
Last year, Pitroda had to step down from his role for seven weeks after back-to-back controversies. One of those was about India’s diversity, which the BJP claimed carried racial undertones. Another controversy erupted after his remarks on inheritance tax. He had cited inheritance tax as an example of new policies that could prevent concentration of wealth, but the BJP interpreted it as a proposal to introduce such a tax in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi even referred to the remark during election campaigns, warning that if Congress came to power, it might redistribute people’s personal wealth, including women’s mangalsutras.
Also read: Grand Celebration in Delhi on PM Modi Birthday: Amit Shah to Announce 10 New Schemes
Congress’s Dilemma
For the Congress party, Sam Pitroda is both an asset and a challenge. As a close associate of Rahul Gandhi and a veteran technocrat who played a crucial role in India’s telecom revolution, Pitroda brings global visibility to the party. However, his controversial statements often give the BJP ammunition to attack Congress.
Within the party, leaders have often been forced to defend or distance themselves from his comments. Political analysts suggest that while Pitroda tries to push for broader debates on issues like civil society, democracy, and foreign policy, his choice of words sometimes overshadows the intended message.
Also read: Vantara Supreme Court Case Closure Sparks Political Reactions
Regional Context
Pitroda’s remarks about feeling “at home” in Pakistan came at a sensitive time. India’s relations with its neighbors, particularly Bangladesh and Nepal, have seen turbulence in recent months. With Bangladesh, ties have become strained, while in Nepal, political instability has created challenges.
By emphasizing neighborhood-first foreign policy, Sam Pitroda was attempting to highlight the importance of strengthening regional relationships. However, critics argue that mentioning Pakistan in the same breath, especially given its history of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, was politically risky and insensitive.
Also read: ‘I Love Muhammad’ Banners Spark Controversy in Kanpur: Sufi Leaders Question Police Action
Conclusion:
Despite clarifying his intent, the damage from Pitroda’s remark appears to have been done. The BJP has amplified the controversy, while the Congress finds itself managing the fallout once again.
As political debates heat up ahead of elections, Sam Pitroda’s words serve as a reminder of how every statement by senior leaders can shape narratives, influence public perception, and impact party fortunes.
Pitroda, however, remains firm in his stand that his aim is to encourage empathy, honest dialogue, and a vision of India that is engaged with its neighbors and the world in a constructive way. Whether his clarification will calm the storm remains to be seen.
