Congress leader’s ‘China Not Our Enemy’ comment ignites major controversy

Congress leader Sam Pitroda sparked controversy by downplaying China’s threat to India. He argued that India must stop viewing China as an enemy, claiming that hostility stems from a confrontational mindset. His remarks triggered strong reactions, with the BJP accusing Congress of having an “obsessive fascination” with China.

Pitroda, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, made his statement during an interview with IANS. He asserted that the U.S. often exaggerates threats and that nations should focus on collaboration instead of confrontation. His comments follow Rahul Gandhi’s recent claim in Parliament that India lost territory to China, a statement the government has denied.

BJP leaders quickly hit back. National spokesperson Tuhin Sinha linked Congress’s stance to a 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Congress and China’s Communist Party (CCP). He accused the party of historically surrendering Indian land and failing to recognize China’s threat. He also pointed out that Gandhi once supported China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) before India announced the IMEEC project.

The BJP has long criticized this 2008 MoU. In an RTI response from 2020, the Ministry of External Affairs described the agreement as a “secret deal” for exchanging high-level information and cooperation. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Congress of prioritizing China’s interests over India’s. He called Pitroda “Rahul Gandhi’s right-hand man” and labeled his statement as proof of Congress’s pro-China bias.

Bhandari also claimed that global financier George Soros influences Congress’s decisions. He alleged that Congress consistently favors China and Pakistan over India’s national security.

China remains a major concern for both India and the U.S. The two nations have faced tensions since violent clashes in 2020. Despite military talks and disengagement efforts, the border dispute persists. Opposition parties insist that India lost territory, a claim Rahul Gandhi repeated in Parliament. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh refuted his statement, asserting that no Indian land was ceded.

Pitroda has faced controversies before. In 2024, he made remarks about India’s diversity that were criticized as racist. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned his comments, forcing Congress to distance itself. Pitroda later resigned as Congress’s overseas chief but returned to the post within weeks.

During last year’s general elections, Pitroda ignited another debate by discussing inheritance tax. His statement led the BJP to accuse Congress of planning wealth redistribution if elected. The backlash further cemented his image as a polarizing figure.

With the latest controversy, Pitroda has once again put Congress in a tough spot. The BJP continues to link the party’s China stance to past agreements, while Congress struggles to defend its position. As India navigates its complex relationship with China, Pitroda’s remarks add fuel to an already heated political battle.