A recent podcast clip has sparked fresh debate in Indian politics. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram claimed that Sam Pitroda doesn’t advise Rahul Gandhi on foreign policy. But new footage tells a different story: it shows Pitroda right by Gandhi’s side as he landed in Bogota, Colombia, for a key leg of his South American tour.
Gandhi is wrapping up visits to four countries in the region, where he’s chatting with political leaders, university students, and business folks. Experts say Pitroda’s appearance isn’t just for show—he’s clearly playing the role of a trusted mentor and advisor during this international trip. Chidambaram’s idea that Pitroda operates as some independent voice? Many find that hard to swallow.
At 90 years old, Pitroda stays deeply involved in Congress party matters. The party reappointed him as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) back in June 2024. He’s the mastermind behind several of Gandhi’s big foreign tours, like trips to the US and Europe, all aimed at firing up the Indian diaspora and boosting support for the party.
Pitroda’s ties to the Gandhis go way back to the 1980s, when he advised then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and helped kickstart India’s telecom revolution. In the ABP News podcast, Chidambaram tried to separate the Congress from Pitroda’s bold opinions. This comes amid backlash over Pitroda’s calls for stronger ties with India’s neighbors, including Pakistan and China.
Pitroda recently told that India’s foreign policy should start at home—focusing on the neighborhood. “Can we really improve relationships with our neighbors?” he asked. He shared a personal take: “I’ve been to Pakistan, and I must tell you, I felt at home. I’ve been to Bangladesh, I’ve been to Nepal, and I feel at home. I don’t feel like I’m in a foreign country.”
BJP leaders and political watchers argue this isn’t just Pitroda talking—it’s a window into the Congress party’s bigger ideology. They claim he shapes Rahul Gandhi’s views, pushing for a gentler approach toward Pakistan and China. The BJP points to Gandhi’s own outspoken comments abroad, which often criticize the Indian government and its security stance, saying they hurt India’s global image—all thanks to this kind of guidance.
Observers emphasize Pitroda’s central spot in the party. One anonymous analyst put it bluntly: “He’s not just some random uncle; he’s the Gandhis’ guru on global outreach.” As IOC head, he rallies overseas Indians for Congress campaigns, mixing his own ideas with real party power.
Pitroda has faced heat before, like his 2024 comments on inheritance tax and his controversial “hua to hua” remark about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Even so, he remains a powerhouse. Last year, after a short break, Congress brought him back as IOC chairman, drawing sharp BJP criticism. They slammed it as backing Pitroda’s “objectionable” takes on Indians, the 1984 riots, and the Pulwama terror attack.
The BJP keeps accusing Congress of pretending to distance itself from Pitroda’s controversies just to mislead people. Now, with that Colombia footage out, Chidambaram’s podcast denial is raising even more eyebrows. It all points to Pitroda still being a key player, steering Rahul Gandhi on the world stage.
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