Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Overseas Congress, has denied advocating for the introduction of inheritance tax in India, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted. The controversy emerged following remarks Pitroda made during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, where he allegedly suggested the adoption of inheritance tax, a move that drew sharp criticism.
In an interview with IANS, Pitroda defended his position, stating, “I never said inheritance tax should be introduced in India. I simply mentioned that this is what happens in America, which is fine… There are trolls, there are liars, and there are people paid to attack, and I take that as part of the package.”
Pitroda’s comments come amidst a broader controversy over remarks perceived as racially insensitive towards South Indians, leading to his announcement to step down as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. The backlash intensified when Pitroda was accused of making disparaging comments about India’s ethnic diversity.
When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on a uniform civil code, Pitroda expressed uncertainty, stating, “I don’t know, as I am not a legal expert to answer this. However, I do believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion. These are the broader concepts I stand by. Lawyers will have to sort this out.”
On the topic of “One Nation, One Election,” Pitroda was critical of the concept, describing it as impractical for India. “The idea of uniformity doesn’t align with India’s core values, as India thrives on diversity. Forcing uniformity on India won’t work,” he said.
Pitroda also confirmed that his team is currently organizing a visit to the U.S. by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, with details to be announced soon.
When asked about India’s potential role in granting asylum to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Pitroda emphasized the importance of diplomatic discretion. “That is for India to decide, and it’s up to Indian foreign policy experts to make that determination,” he said, adding that a peaceful resolution in Bangladesh is crucial for regional stability.
