The Nagaland unit of the BJP staged a protest rally, in Dimapur on May 10, condemning the former Indian Overseas Congress chairperson Sam Pitroda’s allegedly racist remark. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 10
An alleged racist comment by the Congress’ overseas unit chief, Sam Pitroda has had the BJP on protest mode. Pitroda, in a recent interview, was quoted highlighting India’s ethnic diversity, describing it as a country where the people looked like “Chinese, Arabs, White and African,” presenting the BJP with an unforeseen opposition-bashing opportunity.
Facing an unwanted controversy and heat from the BJP, in the midst of Parliamentary elections, the Congress distanced itself from Pitroda, while the latter stepped aside as chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress on May 8.
In Nagaland, the BJP’s State Unit continued the chorus of condemnation, staging a protest rally on May 10 in Dimapur.
BJP Nagaland Spokesperson, Mughavi Chishi held the Congress accountable for China’s territorial claim on Arunachal Pradesh. “Because of this kind of racist remarks, our neighbouring country is taking advantage and claiming certain sections of India to be their country,” said Chishi. He said that while the BJP is integrating India, the Congress is doing the opposite, asserting, “We are Indians, we will remain Indians and we will not allow anybody to disintegrate India.”
Convenor of the, BJP Nagaland’s Media Cell, Sapralu Nyekha, termed Pitroda’s comment as derogatory not only against the people of the North-East but also against India as a whole. “Stereotyping people basing on geography and ethnicity is extremely derogatory. He is judging us based on our geographical location. When he said that the people of the northeast resemble the Chinese, it clearly illustrates what the Congress had in mind, if they were to come to power,” she said.
The Zunheboto District Unit President, Hekishe Shikhu said that while the Nagas are a part of India, the Congress is stating otherwise by “calling us Chinese.” According to him, comments like Pitroda’s and the Congress is to blame for China arbitrarily resorting to renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh.
Imchaimba Jamir, Dimapur District Unit President said that with Pitroda’s comment, the Congress’ real character as wolf in sheep’s clothing has come to light. He said, “Let us not follow leaders disguised as sheep. Let us follow the true leadership of Narendra Modi.”
