'Assurance' Led To Sam Pitroda's Re-Appointment? Here's What Congress General Secretary Said

New Delhi: Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh announced on Wednesday that Sam Pitroda has been reappointed as the Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. This decision comes with the understanding that Pitroda will avoid making statements that could lead to future controversies."During the recent election campaign, Sam Pitroda had made some statements and comments that were totally unacceptable to the Indian National Congress. By mutual consent, he stepped down as Chairman of Overseas Indian Congress. Subsequently, he clarified the context in which statements were made and how they were later distorted by the Modi campaign," Ramesh wrote in a post on X. "The Congress President has reappointed him on the assurance that he will not in future leave room for such controversies to arise," he further added. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) also released a statement confirming Pitroda’s reappointment with immediate effect.

During the recent election campaign Sam Pitroda had made some statements and comments that were totally unacceptable to the Indian National Congress. By mutual consent he stepped down as Chairman of Overseas Indian Congress. Subsequently he clarified the context in which…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 26, 2024

Welcoming the decision, Indian Overseas Congress Secretary Virendra Vashist said, "@sampitroda Ji has been the father of the communication revolution in India. The NRIs are very happy with the Congress leadership giving the command of Overseas Congress to Sam Pitroda Ji because Sam Pitroda Ji is a true Gandhian. Many thanks to Honorable Congress President @kharge ji and Leader of the Opposition @RahulGandhi ji."Pitroda had resigned after controversies over his comments about the appearance of Indians. He described India’s diversity by comparing people from different regions to various ethnic groups, which was criticised as inappropriate.Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised Pitroda’s remarks, stating that the country would not tolerate disrespect based on skin colour. Modi demanded an explanation from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling Pitroda a "philosophical guide" to Gandhi.Pitroda has previously made controversial statements, including advocating for an inheritance tax-like policy in India. He emphasised the need for wealth redistribution, drawing on the concept of inheritance tax in the United States.(With Agency Inputs)