Sam Pitroda calls BJP's foreign interference claims a worn-out political bogey
Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda rejected allegations of foreign backing for the INDIA bloc, stating its strength comes from Indian voters.
Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) chairman Sam Pitroda on Wednesday dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) allegations of foreign interference in the opposition INDIA bloc's activities. According to reports by Times of India, ANI, and The News Mill, Pitroda described the 'foreign hand' theory as a 'worn-out political bogey' used when ruling regimes lack answers to domestic crises.
Pitroda accused the BJP of launching campaigns against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi whenever he travels abroad. He stated that Gandhi's engagements with the diaspora, scholars, and policymakers focus on the global economy, artificial intelligence, and democratic governance rather than seeking foreign intervention.
The IOC chairman asserted that the INDIA bloc's legitimacy comes from Indian voters, including farmers, youths, Dalits, and minorities. He argued that attributing the opposition's resurgence to foreign forces belittles the sovereign choice of the Indian electorate.
Pitroda also expressed concerns regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. He said the commission faces a deficit of public trust regarding questions on electronic voting machines (EVM) transparency and voter turnout data from the 2024 general elections.
The remarks come ahead of the Bharat Summit 2026, scheduled at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). The summit is expected to host 600 to 700 participants from around 70 countries, and Gandhi is set to deliver the valedictory address.