In a surprising show of bipartisan respect, senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda has expressed his support for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his official state visit to the United States. Pitroda, the chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress and a close associate of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, emphasized that the leader of a nation with 1.5 billion people deserves respect wherever he goes, irrespective of party affiliation.
Accompanying Rahul Gandhi on their three-city, six-day tour of the US, Pitroda acknowledged that while Gandhi holds an alternative vision for India compared to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he stands by the foreign policy decisions taken by the current government, particularly in relation to the conflicts in Ukraine and China.
Pitroda’s remarks came in response to the reception Prime Minister Modi has been receiving in the United States, with Pitroda asserting that the warmth extended to the Indian Prime Minister is due to his position as the leader of India, not as the leader of the BJP. He urged people to separate the two and to have respect for the office of the Prime Minister.
“A prime minister of a nation of 1.5 billion people deserves respect everywhere. And I’m proud of it. I’m not negative about it,” Pitroda stated during an interview with PTI, expressing his pride in the reception Modi is receiving.
Addressing the issue of personal attacks and misinformation on social media, Pitroda urged for respect towards fellow human beings and criticized the dissemination of falsehoods. He cited an example where false claims were made about the sponsorship of Rahul Gandhi’s US trip, stating that the Indian Overseas Congress had solely organized the visit.
Pitroda highlighted the significance of Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing trip to the United States, stating that it has generated hope and excitement among the people. He emphasized the importance of conveying the reality of India’s situation to global leaders who may not be fully aware of the country’s challenges and aspirations.
During a private meeting, Pitroda discussed the removal of the periodic table and the theory of evolution from the Indian school syllabus, shocking the attendees. He emphasized the potential negative consequences for future generations and the perception of India as a scientific nation.
The response to Rahul Gandhi’s visit has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Pitroda, with people expressing enthusiasm and a desire to contribute to the cause. He also highlighted the global implications of the direction Indian democracy takes, urging awareness of the potential consequences for both India and the world.
As Pitroda concluded, he clarified that while Indians are responsible for fixing their democracy, the world should be aware of the situation, as it will have far-reaching implications for everyone involved.
The upcoming official state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States, where he will be hosted by President Joe Biden and attend a state dinner on June 22, is expected to further strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations and provide opportunities for discussions on critical issues.
Overall, Sam Pitroda’s stance demonstrates a rare instance of cross-party respect and recognition for the office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of separating personal attacks from the responsibilities and dignity of the position.
