Hubballi (Karnataka) [India]: Responding to Congress Overseas Chief Sam Pitroda’s remarks on China, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday accused him of engaging in “anti-India activities.”
Joshi alleged that Pitroda had not only made controversial statements but was also involved in illegal land occupation in Bengaluru.
“Sam Pitroda not only indulged in the anti-India statement but also got sanctioned to lease land in Bengaluru in Yelahanka forestland, and the lease period was 5 years. Neither he has renewed the lease nor he has given back. He is keeping it illegal. He indulged in anti-India activities under the guidance of Rahul Gandhi making pro-China statements. His lease has already expired. The land should be taken over by the state government, and criminal action should be initiated against him,” Joshi told ANI.
The controversy stems from Pitroda’s comments on China, which have drawn backlash, particularly from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Following the outrage, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh issued a clarification on February 17, distancing the party from Pitroda’s views.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh wrote, “The views reportedly expressed by Mr. Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress.”
He further emphasized that Congress has consistently raised concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on China, referring to Modi’s statement on June 19, 2020.
“China remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, as well as economic challenge. The INC has repeatedly raised questions on the Modi Govt’s approach to China, including the PM’s public clean chit to it on June 19, 2020. Our most recent statement on China was on 28th January 2025. It is also extremely regrettable that Parliament is being denied an opportunity to discuss the situation and express a collective resolve to meet these challenges effectively,” Ramesh stated.
The issue continues to stir political debate, with the BJP using Pitroda’s remarks to target the Congress leadership.