Sam Pitroda has been 2019’s Mani Shankar Iyer when it comes to remarks and statements that expose Congress’ mentality. A long-time loyalist of the Gandhis and one of the closest advisers of Rahul Gandhi, Pitroda has been actively engaging with the media and giving statements regarding his party’s policies and political vision.
Recently, Sam Pitroda had triggered a huge controversy for dismissing the 1984 Sikh genocide as “Hua Toh Hua” (it happened, so what?). Pitroda’s comments come amidst the Sikh community’s protests and demand for justice in the 1984 massacre cases. Congress leaders have been accused of direct involvement in the massacre and Pitroda’s statement had given away just how much Congress cares for the victims and justice.
#WATCH Sam Pitroda: Ab kya hai ’84 ka? Aapne kya kiya 5 saal mein, uski baat kariye. ’84 mein hua to hua. Aapne kya kiya? You were voted to create jobs. You were voted to create 200 smart cities. Aapne wo bhi nahi kiya. Aapne kuch nahi kiya isliye aap yahan wahan gup lagate hain. pic.twitter.com/9SMMUW5Hll
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2019
Soon, Congress and its president jumped into an apology mode. Pitroda too had first tried to brazen it out by claiming that BJP is ‘twisting three words’, but soon seemed to realise that “Hua Toh Hua” is something that cannot be twisted by anyone and the damage has been done. He then started expressing ‘regrets’ for the 1984 riots and posted images for his visits to the Golden Temple.
In a span of over a day, Sam Pitroda has travelled from “BJP is twisting three words” to “My Hindi is not very good”, in trying to explain his “Hua Toh Hua” remark. In the latest, Pitroda has been insisting that 1984 was terrible but it is in the past and everyone should move on.
However, Pitroda’s ‘motormouth’ has been a cause of a greater worry in Congress’ supportive ecosystem of ‘neutral journalists’ than it seems to be for Congress itself. Journalists and influencers, who claim to be ‘neutral’ and secular day in and day out, have been expressing their concern over Pitroda’s statements. They seem to be less concerned for the gravity of the apathy and disregard to the pains of the Sikh community but more concerned about how Pitroda’s statements can harm the Congress.
jab hindi nahi aati, toh apna muh band rakha karein https://t.co/z5y7CxmMsz
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) May 10, 2019
Now that he has advised Pitroda to apologise, he should also tell all members of the Congress “self-goal team” to stay away from cameras for a week! https://t.co/LSC3Nk5vI6
— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) May 11, 2019
I strongly feel Mr. Pitroda should stay off air. His communication skills are not the best. I hope his Party takes note. https://t.co/RcZoCXYZFE
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) May 10, 2019
The ecosystem which was already busy defending Rajiv Gandhi for his corruption scandals and holiday trip using INS Viraat as a taxi seems exasperated on Pitroda’s remarks and just wishes Pitroda shuts up.
Pitroda had stated earlier that Congress’ NYAY scheme will mean higher taxes on the middle class, something other Congress leaders have been vehemently denying. He had also tried to shame the middle class for being selfish and had urged them to pay higher taxes to the poor can receive money from Congress.
Pitroda had also questioned the Balakot airstrikes and had asked for proof of the Indian air strikes. He had also stated that it is wrong to hold Pakistan accountable for the terrorist incidents for the crimes of a few terrorists. Another of his famous statements was, “Indians with mobile phones are like monkeys with a new toy”.
