Kumar Bahukhandi
New Delhi. Overseas Congress President Sam Pitroda, who stirred up controversy by raising the issue of inheritance tax during the Lok Sabha elections, has defended his statement. He has said that he never said that inheritance tax should be implemented in India and his comments were misinterpreted.
He told the news agency, “Look, I stand by what I said. I know India – there are trolls, there are liars and there are people with money to attack, and I consider it part of the package. I never said that inheritance tax should be implemented in India. I just said that it happens in the US, which is fine…”
Days before the Lok Sabha elections, Sam Pitroda announced his resignation as the president of the Indian Overseas Congress due to the controversy that erupted after his racist remarks. The controversy escalated after Pitroda made a casteist remark on India’s ethnicity.
When asked to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s communal civil code, Pitroda said, “I don’t know, as I am not a legal expert to answer that. However, I believe in equality, diversity and inclusion. These are broad concepts that I stand by. Lawyers will have to sort it out, as I am not qualified to do so.” On “one nation, one election”, the Indian Overseas Congress chief said it is not practical to have one election in India. “The idea of uniformity does not match with the core values of India, as India thrives on diversity. There will always be multiple elections, languages and cultures. Imposing uniformity on India will not work…” he said.
Pitroda said his team is working on Rahul Gandhi’s US visit. “Once the visit is finalised, dates are confirmed and the schedule is finalised, we will issue a press release and hold a press conference.
