Should People Like Sam Pitroda Be Sent on a Chartered Flight to Pakistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shiv Sena (UBT) demands action against individuals expressing pro-Pakistan sentiments.
- Sam Pitroda has been a long-time advisor to the Gandhi family.
- Political reactions highlight the sensitivity around India's national identity.
- Calls for a focused foreign policy on neighboring countries.
- The controversy raises questions about political affiliations and loyalty.
Mumbai, Sep 19 (NationPress) In a strong response to Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda’s recent comment that “Pakistan feels like home to me,” Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey stated that individuals like Pitroda should be recognized and flown to Pakistan on a chartered flight.
During an interview with IANS, Dubey commented, “I believe Sam Pitroda lacks a genuine connection with India. He has never served as an MP, MLA, or Minister. His only affiliation is with the Congress party. If he is so enamored with Pakistan and Bangladesh, he should relocate there.”
“Such a leader should be sent to Pakistan, and our youth will assist him in getting there. In today’s world, we have all the amenities available. If he adores Pakistan, let him go. We will not stand for such remarks. Our frustration towards the BJP is equal to our anger at Sam Pitroda. The BJP engages in cricket matches with Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi once stated, ‘Blood and water cannot flow together, but today, blood and sports are intertwined,’” he further added.
Dubey asserted, “We will urge Rahul Gandhi to identify people like Sam Pitroda and send them on a chartered flight to Pakistan so they can find happiness there, instead of making such comments here.”
He also criticized the BJP, stating, “When BJP leaders are seen laughing with Shahid Afridi, they should go too. Anyone praising Pakistan, whether they are from Congress or BJP, should not reside here.”
Pitroda, a loyalist of the Gandhi family, also called for the government to focus on India’s neighboring countries in its foreign policy.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Sam Pitroda mentioned, “Our foreign policy should primarily concentrate on our neighborhood. Can we genuinely enhance relationships with our neighbors? They are all small nations facing challenging situations.”
“Certainly, issues of violence and terrorism exist. But ultimately, there is a shared heritage in the neighborhood. I have been to Pakistan, and I genuinely felt at home. I have visited Bangladesh, Nepal, and felt the same. They resemble me, converse like me, enjoy my music, and savor my cuisine. We must learn to coexist in peace and harmony,” he added during the conversation with IANS.
Sam Pitroda, who gained prominence in the 1980s as a technocrat close to then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has been a trusted advisor to the Gandhi family. His recent comments starkly contrast with his earlier controversial remarks, where he faced backlash for making racially insensitive comments regarding India's diversity and drawing parallels between South Indians and South Africans.
Pitroda's statements come at a time when Bangladesh is experiencing political and economic challenges, while Nepal is dealing with internal unrest.