PM Modi Slams Congress Allies Over Pitroda’s Remarks, Targets DMK in Andhra Pradesh Rally
New Delhi, 9th May 2024: After condemning Congress for Indian Overseas head Sam Pitroda’s racially insensitive remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the grand old party’s allies in southern and western regions of India during a rally in Andhra Pradesh.
In his address, PM Modi criticized the Congress’ ally, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), questioning if they endorse Pitroda’s divisive statement about South Indians resembling Africans. He challenged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK to sever ties with Congress for the preservation of Tamil pride and heritage.
PM Modi accused Congress of fostering a divisive mindset aimed at fracturing the nation and denounced Pitroda’s remarks as indicative of Congress’ anti-India stance.
In response, DMK leader TKS Elangovan distanced the party from Pitroda’s comments, emphasizing their commitment to linguistic and cultural equality among all Indian states.
Sam Pitroda’s controversial statement, comparing people from India’s East to Chinese and those from the South to Africans, ignited widespread criticism, prompting senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh to intervene and label the remarks as unfortunate and unacceptable.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra challenged PM Modi to focus on pressing issues like employment, inflation, and women’s safety instead of trivial matters.
PM Modi further targeted Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, questioning their stance on such divisive opinions, alleging Congress’ belief that people from the western part of India resemble Arabs.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi distanced her party from Pitroda’s comments, emphasizing that he resides abroad and his views do not reflect the sentiments of the nation or the party. She underscored that the Aam Aadmi Party, another member of the INDI alliance, also disavowed Pitroda’s remarks.
