Sam Pitroda Says Neighbourhood Policy is Key; Feels at Home in Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda, in an exclusive conversation with IANS on Friday, called neighbourhood policy important for India. He said that he felt at home in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Foreign policy should first focus on the neighbourhood. Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda, in an exclusive conversation with IANS, advocated for a 'neighbourhood policy'. He said, "Our foreign policy should first focus on the neighbourhood. Can we strengthen relations with our neighbours? I have been to Pakistan and felt at home there.
I felt the same in Bangladesh and Nepal. I feel as if I'm not abroad." Regarding the allegations of "vote theft," Sam Pitroda said, "Rahul Gandhi explained what's happening in his press conference, and leaders like us have been saying for years that there's something wrong with EVMs. Now Rahul Gandhi has spoken out against it, and we all have to support him." Pitroda emphasized the importance of elections, saying, "Elections affect future generations more than elders like us. Rahul Gandhi's words are true, but he can't fight alone. He speaks, while others remain silent. If we believe, we must join hands and raise our voices. All political parties, Congress leaders, youth leaders, civil society, lawyers, and others must raise their voices."
He supported Rahul Gandhi's statement appealing to the people to save democracy, saying, "I urge the youth of India to add their voices to Rahul Gandhi's singular voice." Pitroda praised Rahul Gandhi, calling him a "bright, energetic young man." He said that the BJP and other parties misrepresent him. Rahul Gandhi is highly educated, believes in India, and believes in the future of our young generation. Finally, people are beginning to understand that Rahul Gandhi is the right leader for the future. Today, we need a global leader with a strong moral foundation. Regarding the rejection of the Hindenburg report by SEBI, Sam Pitroda, head of the Indian Overseas Congress, said, "Institutions and the judiciary have been taken over. Civil society has its own interests. There is very little freedom left. Democracy is under threat."
On the BJP's linking of the Congress party to George Soros, Pitroda said, "I never met George Soros. There's no evidence of this. Soros works for his own interests, and the Congress party works for its own. This is all a lie. They're just spreading lies about everyone." Sam Pitroda also rejected the BJP's claim that PM Modi has changed India's foreign policy. He said, "This is all nonsense and Indian propaganda. We are not a world leader. If I ask my neighbors, they don't know anything about PM Modi or India. They are preoccupied with their own problems. The myth that India is on everyone's mind is false. International newspapers' coverage of India is limited to its economy, population, and opportunities. The notion of a 'world leader' is exaggerated."