Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 8 attacked the Congress over its party leader Sam Pitroda's comments over skin colour and asserted that the countrymen would not tolerate insult on the basis of skin colour.
Hitting out at top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Modi said he has now understood that the national party sought to defeat President Droupadi Murmu in the presidential poll as her "skin colour is dark".
Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024 updates - May 8
As Mr. Pitroda's reported comments kicked up a row, Mr. Modi asked, "will the ability of people be decided in my country on the basis of skin colour." "Who gave the permission to 'shehzada' for this game of skin colour," he asked while addressing an election rally at Warangal in the state.
Mr. Pitroda's comments that people in the Eastern parts of the country resembled the Chinese, while those from the South looked like Africans, had kicked up a row.
"I am angry today. If anyone abuses me, I don't get angry. I can tolerate that. But, the philosopher of 'shehzada' gave such a big abuse which has filled me with anger," Mr. Modi said.
Referring to Rahul Gandhi showing Constitution in his election rallies, he asked whether those who dance by keeping Constitution on their head were insulting the countrymen on the basis of skin colour.
India would not tolerate insult to the countrymen on the basis of skin colour, he said, adding 'shehzade' [Rahul Gandhi] must answer.
Mr. Modi also said he has now come to know as to why Congress had sought to defeat Murmu in the presidential elections in 2022 despite her having a great reputation.
"I came to know today that an uncle of 'shehzada' lives in America. The uncle is his philosopher and guide," he said in an apparent reference to Sam Pitroda.
"Shehzada's philosopher and guide uncle has opened a big secret. He said those whose skin colour is dark, they are all from Africa," he said.
That means, he [Pitroda] has abused so many people of the country on the basis of skin colour, he alleged.
Whatever is the colour of skin, the countrymen worship Lord Sri Krishna whose skin colour was like all of us, Mr. Modi said.
Congress dissociates itself from Pitroda’s remarks
Dissociating itself from Mr. Pitroda’s remarks, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X: “The analogies drawn by Mr Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India’s diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies.”
