Sam Pitroda Resigns | Overseas Congress Chief Steps Down

On May 8, 2024, Indian Overseas Congress President Sam Pitroda announced his resignation from his position in the wake of severe backlash over his racially insensitive comments about Indians. Pitroda's resignation, prompted by his controversial remarks, has been accepted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

The decision to step down came after Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda, widely known as Sam Pitroda, made derogatory statements characterizing Indians based on their regional appearances. Pitroda's comments, equating people from different parts of India to various ethnicities, drew widespread condemnation for their racially charged nature.

Pitroda's statement, which suggested that Eastern Indians resemble Chinese, Western Indians appear Middle Eastern, North Indians look Caucasian, and South Indians bear resemblance to Africans, sparked outrage and led to calls for accountability within the Congress party.

In his remarks, Pitroda attempted to emphasize India's diversity and unity, stating, "We could hold a country together as diverse as India where people on the East look like Chinese, people on the West look like Arab, people on the North look like maybe White and people in the South look like Africa."

This is not the first time Pitroda has courted controversy. In a previous incident, he garnered attention for advocating for an inheritance tax policy akin to that of the United States. Pitroda's suggestion of imposing a tax rate of 55% on inherited wealth stirred debate over Congress's proposed wealth redistribution measures.

In light of Pitroda's resignation and the broader implications of his comments, Congress has reiterated its commitment to inclusivity and condemned any form of discrimination. The party acknowledges the need for sensitivity and accountability, particularly from its leaders, in fostering a culture of respect and unity.

As Pitroda steps down from his role as Overseas Congress chief, the party aims to address concerns raised by his remarks and reaffirm its dedication to promoting equality and diversity. Stay tuned for further developments as Congress navigates this challenging situation and continues to uphold its principles of social justice and inclusivity.