SAM'S ADVICE IS NOT HELPING CONGRESS

Is Sam Pitroda again misguiding Rahul Gandhi on crucial issues?

- AJIT MAINDOLA

The statement by Sam Pitroda, chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, blaming EVMs for the defeat of the grand old party reminds voters of an age-old adage that “a bad workman blames his tools”. Congress’ ideologue, Pitroda, also criticised the BJP saying that Ram Mandir wasn’t the real issue in the country.

The Congress has distanced itself from Pitroda’s Ram Mandir remarks. Is Pitroda again misguiding Rahul on crucial issues? Significantly, Rahul Gandhi’s controversial statements during interactions abroad are attributed to Pitroda’s advice. Pitroda, who is a Gandhi family confidant, is making such statements during his India visit after the Congress’ defeat in the recently held elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. As Indian Overseas Congress chief, Pitroda normally works for the grand old party abroad. He is involved in the strategy formulation for the party ahead of polls. He was posted in the Planning Commission during the UPA government.

While commenting on the Ram Mandir issue, Pitroda sort of suggested that religion should be kept away from politics. He said that Jawaharlal Nehru never used religion for political purposes. According to Pitroda, price rise and pollution are the real issues.