After Sam Pitroda's 'Gujarati friend' remark, PM Modi sends Diwali greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday exchanged Diwali greetings with Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda, a vocal critic of the BJP-led government, after the Congress leader described him as a “Gujarati friend” and said he respected him as a person.

Modi responded to Pitroda's remarks by extending festive wishes to him and his wife, Anjana Ben, in a post on X.

“Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath,” the Prime Minister wrote. (Credits: X/Narendra Modi)

The exchange came after Pitroda spoke about his personal interactions with Modi, saying the Prime Minister had been warm towards him during their meetings. He also recalled visiting Modi's residence in Gujarat several times.

“I have nothing against Mr. Modi as a Gujarati leader, friend or well-wisher. He has been very warm towards me, and I appreciate that. Similarly, I have been to his house in Gujarat several times,” Pitroda was quoted as saying by a news agency.

Pitroda, a close associate of Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, has frequently criticised the Modi government on political and policy matters.

His latest remarks, however, highlighted the distinction between his political disagreements with the Prime Minister and their personal interactions.PM MODI ALSO RESPONDS TO X USER'S DIWALI WISH

Modi's Diwali message to Pitroda also prompted a response from an X user, who jokingly asked the Prime Minister to extend similar greetings to him.

An X user named Mihir Jha reacted to Modi's post with a crying emoji and wrote, “Sam Pitroda ko Diwali wish kar saktey hain toh humein bhi wish kar do Modi Ji.”

The Prime Minister responded to Jha as well, extending his wishes for the festive season.

“Aapko Bhi Happy Diwali Mihir Bhai. Have a great festive season and year ahead,” Modi wrote, adding a grinning emoji. (Credits: X/Narendra Modi)

The interaction drew attention to the Prime Minister's exchange with Pitroda, particularly given the Congress leader's political association with Rahul Gandhi and his criticism of the BJP-led government.DIWALI AND NUTAN VARSH GREETINGS

Modi's message included wishes for both Diwali and Nutan Varsh, or the Gujarati New Year, which is celebrated around the festival of lights. The Prime Minister addressed Pitroda as “Sam Bhai” and also included his wife in the greeting.

Pitroda's remarks about Modi as a Gujarati friend came amid the political differences between the Congress and the BJP. His comments indicated that he viewed his personal interactions with the Prime Minister separately from their political positions.

The exchange also saw Modi respond to a social media user's light-hearted request, extending Diwali wishes beyond the initial interaction with Pitroda.- Ends