'People in east look like Chinese...': Sam Pitroda sparks row with 'racist' remarks, slammed by BJP

After his statement on the inheritance tax sparked a massive row, Congress member Sam Pitroda courted another controversy with his so-called racist remarks.

In a video interview to the Telegraph, Pitroda said, "Pitroda described India as a "... diverse country... where people on East look like Chinese, people on West look like Arab, people on North look like maybe White and people in South look like Africa". He made these remarks while talking about India's diversity.

Pitroda was responding to a question about what the Congress has tried to make one of the fundamental issues of the 2024 Lok Sabha election - that the BJP, should it win this poll, will look to alter the basic nature of the country's socio-economic fabric, including by changing the Constitution.

Pitroda was referring to a "really divided country today based on ideas of India", saying, "It is not a question of who is right or wrong... but a question of what you believe in."

"... there is another view that says our founding fathers fought the British Raj not for a Hindu nation but for a secular nation. Pakistan decided to make a nation based on religion... you can see how that is going. We are a shining example of democracy in the world. We have survived 70-75 years in a very happy environment, leaving aside a few fights here and there," he said.

"... we are all brothers and sisters, we respect different languages, religions, customs, and food. As a Gujarati, I love dosa. So, if I go to Tamil Nadu and speak the local language, it is ok. I am still at home... that is my India, rooted in democracy, freedom, liberty, and fraternity," he declared.

The BJP strongly hit back, with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma calling on the Congress leader to have some understanding of India's diversity.

"Sam bhai, I am from the northeast, and I look like an Indian. We are a diverse country - we may look different, but we are all one," he said.

"Hamare desh ke bare mein thoda to samajh lo! (Please understand at least something about our country)" the senior BJP leader said.