New Delhi, September 19 (IANS) Sama Pitroda, President of Indian Foreign Congress, gave voice to strong concerns about India’s election process, foreign policy and global perception.
In the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on “vote theft” and democracy, the role of youth in Pitroda, in a special interview with IANAS, urged civil society, political parties and young generation to unite in protecting India’s democratic values.
He also dismissed the story of the BJP of India as a “world guru”, called it only propaganda, and warned of global challenges for democracy.
There are parts of the following interview
IANS: Rahul Gandhi is attacking the Election Commission for “vote theft”. How do you see their statements?
Sam Pitroda: You must have seen Rahul Gandhi’s press conference on Thursday. People like us have been saying for years that something is wrong. Who is doing this, we do not know, but many people have stopped relying on the election process. I raised the issue 3-4 years ago, saying that something was wrong with EVMs, but no one paid attention. Now, Rahul Gandhi is raising the right issues – we should return it and increase his voice.
IANS: Rahul Gandhi has appealed to General Z to save democracy. Do you think he is inspired by young protests in Nepal and Bangladesh?
Sam Pitroda: No, it is not about copying the protest. Elections affect future generations compared to people like us who have very little time left. The future of youth is at stake. Democracy is designed to empower everyone, and Rahul Gandhi is correct – he cannot do it alone. Political parties, civil society, young leaders, lawyers and others should lend their voice.
IANS: Why are India block leaders hesitant to rally behind Rahul Gandhi?
Sam Pitroda: I would urge the All India Block leaders to shoulder to the shoulder with them. The people of India deserve independent and fair elections.
IANS: How do you see the tariff imposed on India by US President Trump?
Sam Pitroda: The US has imposed 50 percent tariffs, and this is a matter of great concern. This will cause a lot of problems with the impact on Indian business, jobs, exports and will take time to find new customers. This is not a good thing for India.
IANS: How do you see the “vote theft” issue?
Sam Pitroda: The important question is whether we can ensure independent and fair elections. The way things are happening, it is clear that vote theft exists. It should not be seen through a Hindu-Muslim or partisan lens-it is about fundamental rights. The Election Commission should be held accountable, and the Supreme Court should intervene if necessary.
IANS: We have seen that whenever the Congress has announced its CM candidate, they have benefited from it. We have seen it in Karnataka or Himachal Pradesh. Why is it taking so much time to announce a CM face in Bihar. Or do you think that in the state elections, the Congress is behind the state party. Do you think the Congress needs to be revealed?
Sam Pitroda: Look, this is their internal matter. Congress selects leaders who brings more to the table. The Congress tradition is that they do not announce candidates. Because this is a true democracy and parliamentary system. We do not have the presidential system. We have now distorted the system with the control of media, spending huge amounts on PR, lies, misinformation, we have changed public opinion.
We have formed a public opinion that unless or until, a strong leader is estimated, you will not win. This is not good for democracy.
It does not matter who wins or who loses. What matters that our election system should be preserved properly.
IANS: BJP projects PM Modi as the face of every election. Has it become difficult to challenge him?
Sam Pitroda: Individuals come and go, but India should continue. This is the reason why Rahul Gandhi talks about the youth, who are next 70-75 years ago. The real issue is not a personality, but protects the future of the next generation.
IANS: BJP often invites George Soros to attack Congress. Your answer?
Sam Pitroda: This is a lie. The Congress has nothing to do with George Soros. I never met him, never talked to him. These are baseless allegations.
IANS: Do you think Rahul Gandhi can lead Jean Z in India?
Sam Pitroda: There is no need for systematic scheme. Rahul has identified “vote theft” as a major issue, but other people are also- economy, unemployment, poverty, minority, Dalits, OBCs and violence. The youth should understand them. Their energy can change governments and systems, but the protests should not be creative, not destructive.
IANS: Critics say that the BJP is polarizing Hindu votes by targeting minorities. Do you agree
Sam Pitroda: There are 200 million Muslims in India – they are Indians, and we should live together. Look at our neighbor – Napal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka – are all in the upheaval. India should lead to peace and prosperity in South Asia.
IANS: You talked about saving minorities. CM Mamta Banerjee is saying that in the name of targeting illegal Bangladeshis, Muslims are being targeted, the same thing is happening in Assam where Himant Sir is CM. Do you think the BJP wants to target minorities and polarize Hindu votes.
Sam Pitroda: This is what BJP has to decide. This is their issue. I am not interested in dividing people. There are 200 million Muslims in the country. They are Indians and we should learn to live together. Look what is going on in our neighborhood. Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan are burning, and we are 1.5 billion countries. How can our foreign policy be when all our neighbors are in turmoil. What kind of vision do we have? We should be responsible for peace and prosperity in South Asia. We should lead a lead. We should actually sacrifice to some extent because it is good for all of us.
IANS: How do you see India’s foreign policy under PM Modi?
Sam Pitroda: Our foreign policy should first focus on our neighborhood. If our territory is unstable then we cannot be rich. We should sacrifice and work for peace instead of chasing global optics.
IANS: Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has praised Rahul Gandhi. How do you see Rahul’s global image?
Sam Pitroda: Rahul Gandhi is bright, energetic, well read, and speaks from a moral high ground. Promotion against him is disappearing, and people all over the world have started recognizing him. Today, the world lacks a young leader who stands for democracy, human rights and equality. Rahul fills that vacuum.
IANS: How do you see the recent deal with Saudi and Pakistan? Under the deal, if Pakistan is attacked, it will consider the attack on both. In our neighborhood, we have seen the situation in Nepal or in Sri Lanka. Is PM Modi’s foreign diplomacy unable to coordinate with a friendly country?
Sam Pitroda: We need a foreign policy that really gives comfort to our neighbors. Because we are the largest country in the region. We have moral responsibility to bring peace and prosperity in the region. We cannot fight with our neighbors.
This is not a peaceful, stable South Asia for India. You can always blame someone but fix it together.
IANS: What about the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and the cancellation of relations with Pakistan?
Sam Pitroda: Our foreign policy should improve relations with neighbors. Violence and terrorism exist, but culturally and socially, we share the same roots. I have visited Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal – I always feel at home. We should learn to live in peace.
IANS: Do you believe that the General Z government in India can fall as it happened in Nepal?
Sam Pitroda: The Power of Young has been tested everywhere in the world. I was here during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and I know what kind of performance we all performed, I was also partying for him. I know that young energy can do anything. They can change the system, change the government, bring a generational change but it may not be disastrous but should be creative.
When I see young people throwing things and burning things, it is not a way to show your solidarity. It should be creative, meaningful. Young people can bring generational changes.
I will request the youth of India to add their voice to Rahul Gandhi’s line voice.
IANS: Global leaders wished PM Modi on their birthday. Has India’s global image changed?
Sam Pitroda: This is promotion. We are not the world guru. If I ask my neighbors here, they do not know about Modi or India. It is a myth that India is in everyone’s mind. India’s international coverage is limited to economy, population and opportunities. This “Vishwaguru” story is excessive.
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