Sam Pitroda

News India Xtra@newsIndiaxtra

BJP MP Tarun Chugh has criticised Sam Pitroda, chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, over his remarks on the 1984 riots against Sikhs. Chugh accused him of trying to shield the Gandhi family and objected to his call to forget the violence, which took place 40 years ago.

The row follows Pitroda's defence of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, which went on sale on Tuesday. He called it a personal account rather than a political document, and denied that it whitewashes the 1984 riots, the Emergency and the Babri Masjid demolition.

News India Xtra@newsIndiaxtra

Indian Overseas Congress head Sam Pitroda has spoken warmly about PM Narendra Modi, saying he holds him in personal regard even though the two differ sharply on politics.

In an interview, Pitroda called Modi hardworking and said the Prime Minister has been very friendly and caring toward him personally. Asked about Sonia Gandhi's earlier description of Modi as a strong speaker, Pitroda said he sees Modi as a friend from Gujarat who wishes him well.

Pitroda said his disagreements are with Modi's view of the world and his ideology, not with the man himself.