During a recent address to the Indian diaspora in Texas, Congress leader Sam Pitroda defended Rahul Gandhi against the BJP's derogatory 'Pappu' label, emphasizing Gandhi's education, strategic thinking, and vision for inclusion and diversity in politics. Pitroda reaffirmed that Gandhi's agenda focuses on addressing societal issues like unemployment and inflation, rather than religious matters. In parallel, Gandhi articulated his role as the Leader of the Opposition, aiming to inject values of love, respect, and humility into Indian politics while holding the government accountable. His visit comes at a crucial time, ahead of significant state elections and amidst U.S. political dynamics. Pitroda also underscored the importance of preserving democracy and the need for collective effort to protect it from potential threats.