New Delhi: Sam Pitroda, who resigned as Overseas Congress President during the Lok Sabha elections due to controversial statements, has been reinstated on his post. This indident has led to raising of question: Why was Congress in such a hurry to bring Sam Pitroda backPitrodas return to the role of Overseas Congress President comes despite his previous resignation following two contentious statements during the Lok Sabha elections. It has been less than a month since the election results, yet Pitroda has made a notable comeback.Why did Sam Pitroda resigned from his post Sam Pitroda was speaking in a podcast, and while diversity while describing the diversity of India, had said that the “people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans.”The statement faced major retributions and negative rebuttals majorly from the leaders of the BJP. However, hushing to a decison to do damage control, Congress accepted Sam Pitrodas letter of resignation discharging him of his duties as the president of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC).Is Sam Pitroda a necessity for CongressThis swift reinstatement begs the question of Pitrodas importance to the Congress party. Has Rahul Gandhi, now Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, found himself lacking suitable advisors, necessitating Pitrodas returnBJP raises blatant criticismCongresss media in-charge, Jairam Ramesh, stated that Pitrodas return comes with assurances to avoid future controversies. However, the BJP seized this opportunity to criticize Congress, suggesting that Pitrodas reinstatement endorses his previous controversial remarks about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the Pulwama terror attack. They questioned whether Congresss previous distancing from Pitrodas comments was merely to deceive the public.Is there a broader strategy in Pitrodas role and actions1. Did Pitroda managed to swing votes from BJP to CongressCongress may believe that Pitrodas presence benefited the party, particularly in appealing to marginalized communities. Rahul Gandhis focus on Dalits and other disadvantaged groups likely shifted some of these votes from BJP to Congress. Pitroda, a close advisor to Gandhi, is thought to have influenced this strategy. His ideas, such as advocating for inheritance tax, resonate with Congresss pro-poor image, which might be a factor in their electoral strategy.2. Pitroda plays a crucial role in managing Rahul Gandhis arrangements abroadCongress appears to be intensifying its efforts to challenge the BJP and PM Narendra Modi internationally. Pitroda has been instrumental in organizing Rahul Gandhis foreign engagements, which have garnered significant attention in the international media. His strong network abroad, particularly in Western academic and diplomatic circles, is seen as valuable in spreading Congresss message and countering BJPs narrative globally.3. Long-standing ties with the Gandhi familyPitrodas deep-rooted relationship with the Gandhi family is another significant factor in his return. His longstanding loyalty and service, dating back to his work with Rajiv Gandhi, and his role under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, highlight his integral position within the party.Sam Pitrodas reinstatement shows his strategic importance to Congress. Whether it is for his influence on voter strategy, his role in enhancing the partys international outreach, or his historical ties with the Gandhi family, Pitroda remains a crucial figure for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party.
