New Delhi: Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda on Thursday voiced strong support for the ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), drawing a significant parallel to the historic Arab Spring movement. Pitroda lauded the CJP's actions as a powerful display of “fearless opposition, courage, and awakening,” particularly commending the young participants for their willingness to speak out.
In an exclusive interview, Pitroda likened the current stir to the “Indian monsoon,” echoing the wave of pro-democracy uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2010 and 2011, known as the Arab Spring. He emphasized the bravery of these young individuals, acknowledging that while they might make errors, their courage in expressing themselves is paramount.
Addressing concerns regarding the alleged use of abusive language during some CJP demonstrations, Pitroda admitted that while certain protesters spoke loudly or used inappropriate words, he viewed their anger as a catalyst for new opportunities for discussion. He clarified that he did not explicitly approve of such language but recognized it as an expression of deep-seated frustration.
When questioned about reports linking the CJP to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Pitroda stated he lacked sufficient information to comment on the claim. He described the CJP members as “a bunch of young people, very smart,” expressing pride in their ability to articulate their views and navigate a complex system. He reiterated that young people should be encouraged to express themselves, even if they sometimes err, seeing hope in their activism.
Pitroda further invoked Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy on courage, stressing the importance of overcoming fear to advocate for change. He observed that recent student protests have significantly empowered minority communities, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Dalits, and tribal groups, encouraging them to voice their concerns about perceived exclusion from economic opportunities and decision-making processes. Pitroda also defended YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, describing him as a “bright young man” with a substantial following, asserting his right as an Indian citizen to participate in protests and share his opinions.
Image: Wikipedia — Sam Pitroda
📰 Source: Mangalorean News