Sam Pitroda’s “Pakistan Felt Like Home” Remark Sparks Political Firestorm

Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress and a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, has once again found himself at the centre of controversy. In a recent interview, Pitroda stated that during his visits to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, he always felt “at home.” He explained that despite borders and political tensions, the people of South Asia share a common heritage, culture, and way of life that transcend national boundaries. According to him, India’s foreign policy should recognise these bonds and prioritise its neighbours in a spirit of cooperation.

Pitroda emphasised that his intention was to highlight shared history and people-to-people connections, not to dismiss the reality of terrorism or conflict. However, his words have drawn sharp criticism and ignited a fierce political debate.

Sam Pitroda sparks row again, says ‘Pakistan felt like home’; BJP mocks INC as ‘Islamabad National Congress’ | Mint

BJP’s Strong Rebuttal

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reacted swiftly and forcefully to Pitroda’s remarks. Party leaders accused him of undermining the sacrifices of India’s armed forces and trivialising the suffering caused by cross-border terrorism. Citing events like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Pulwama, and the recent Pahalgam incident, BJP leaders said Pitroda’s statement exposed Congress’s “soft corner” for Pakistan.

The ruling party did not hold back in its rhetoric, mocking the Congress as the “Islamabad National Congress” and demanding apologies from both Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. According to BJP spokespersons, Pitroda’s views reflect not just his personal opinion but also the larger mindset of the Congress leadership, which they argue has historically failed to hold Pakistan accountable for terrorism.

Congress’s Defence and Pitroda’s Clarification

Faced with mounting backlash, Pitroda clarified his position. He stressed that he never intended to belittle the pain of victims of terrorism or question India’s security concerns. His goal, he said, was to remind people of the shared history, culture, and traditions that link India with its neighbours. If his words were misinterpreted or caused offence, he expressed regret.

Congress leaders also came to his defence, describing him as an intellectual whose views are often misrepresented by political rivals. They argued that his remarks were being selectively quoted to create controversy. Some leaders even pointed to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) own idea of “Akhand Bharat” as evidence that cultural unity across South Asia has long been a subject of political thought in India.

A Larger Debate on National Identity and Foreign Policy

The uproar over Pitroda’s statement is not just about one man’s words. It has reopened a wider debate on how India should balance its foreign policy priorities. Should cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement be emphasised in the face of longstanding hostility and terrorism? Or should security concerns always remain paramount, leaving little room for soft outreach?

The timing of Pitroda’s comments makes the debate even more sensitive. With recent terror attacks in Kashmir fresh in public memory, national security is once again a key concern for voters. For the BJP, Pitroda’s words have provided a political opportunity to reinforce its image as the protector of national interests, while portraying Congress as weak on Pakistan. For the Congress, the challenge now lies in managing the fallout without alienating supporters who value dialogue and regional cooperation.

The MGMM Outlook

Sam Pitroda’s recent remark that Pakistan felt “like home” has sparked a storm of criticism across India, particularly given the nation’s painful history with cross-border terrorism. While Pitroda attempted to frame his comments as a reflection of shared culture and history between South Asian nations, his words appear careless and insensitive to the sacrifices of Indians who have suffered due to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. From the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to the Pulwama tragedy and the recent Pahalgam incident, India continues to pay the price of Pakistan’s hostility. In this context, Pitroda’s statement reflects a dangerous disconnect from ground realities and exposes once again how Congress leaders often fail to acknowledge the wounds inflicted on the nation.

The BJP’s strong rebuttal highlights why such remarks cannot be brushed aside. By mocking Congress as the “Islamabad National Congress,” the ruling party has amplified its stance that the opposition is soft on Pakistan and blind to the threat of terrorism. Congress’s attempt to defend Pitroda by invoking cultural unity or intellectual freedom only deepens the perception that it lacks seriousness on national security. At a time when the country needs firm resolve against terror, comments like Pitroda’s risk undermining India’s position globally and send a wrong signal domestically. Such controversies remind us why political leaders must speak responsibly, keeping the nation’s sacrifices and security sensitivities above all else.

(Sources: Mint, Hindustan Times, India Today)