Dimapur: The Nagaland unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a ‘Peaceful Protest Rally’ on Friday, May 10, at Old Daily Market, near Millennium Complex in Marwari Patti, Dimapur, in response to an alleged ‘racist remark’ made by the former Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, referring to the north-eastern people as ‘Chinese’.
Pitroda, in a recent podcast discussing India’s diversity, made comments suggesting that people in the East resemble the Chinese, people in the West look like Arabs, those in the North might resemble whites, and people in the South look like Africans. His remarks sparked widespread condemnation, leading to his resignation as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. The Congress party also distanced itself from his comments.
Addressing the rally, Sapralu Nyekha, BJP State Media Convenor, condemned Pitroda’s comment, stating it was not only derogatory towards the people of the northeast but also against the diversity of India as a whole. Nyekha emphasized India’s unity in diversity and criticized stereotyping based on geography and ethnicity.
Nyekha highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to integrate all sections of Indian society and criticized Pitroda’s remark as divisive. She noted Pitroda’s influential position within the Indian Overseas Congress and as a mentor to Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that such comments reflect the Congress party’s divisive agenda.
Imchainba Jamir, Dimapur District BJP President, also criticized the Congress party, suggesting that despite attempts to appear innocent, their true nature is revealed by their actions and statements.
The rally aimed to protest against Pitroda’s remarks and to emphasize the BJP’s commitment to unity and inclusivity in India.
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