Numerous Chief Ministers and leaders representing the northeastern states have strongly criticized the comments made by Congress leader Sam Pitroda regarding the appearance of Indian citizens, calling for his immediate apology.
Pitroda, in a recent interview, characterized India as a diverse nation where individuals from various regions resemble different ethnicities. His statement, which suggested that people from the East resemble Chinese, those from the West resemble Arabs, those from the North might appear White, and those from the South resemble Africans, sparked widespread backlash.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the unity within diversity in India. He asserted, "Sam bhai, I hail from the North East and I resemble an Indian. Despite our diverse appearances, we are all united as one. Please try to understand our country a little better!"
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju, hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, condemned Pitroda's remarks as divisive and unfortunate, accusing him of attempting to sow discord among Indians.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasized the essence of unity amidst diversity in the Indian ethos. He criticized Pitroda and the purported divisive mentality of the INDI Alliance, stating that judging Indians based on their skin color and appearance is reprehensible.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh sought an apology from Pitroda for his racist comments, saying that all Indians were proud of their nationality.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma joined the chorus of condemnation of Pitroda's statement, terming his remarks as divisive.
Nagaland's Higher Education and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along said the Congress had always indulged in such divisive tactics and that India cannot be divided as the northeastern region of the country is an integral part of the country. Along demanded a public apology for such remarks from the Congress and Sam Pitroda.
S. Phangnon Konyak, Nagaland's first woman Rajya Sabha member, rejected Pitroda's statement of dividing Indians as per their physical features and said that though regionally Indians are different, they are all one as Bharatiyas.
Among the several reactions that flooded in as a backlash against the statement of Pitroda, the Congress General Secretary and Communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh separated his party from the comments, calling them unfortunate and unacceptable.
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