Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings to Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda and his wife, Anjana, on Thursday, addressing the Congress leader as ‘Sam Bhai’ in a message 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!” PM Modi wrote.
Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben.
Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead.
Jai Jagannath!
@sampitroda
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2026
The greeting followed Pitroda’s recent remarks about his cordial personal relationship with the Prime Minister, despite their political and ideological differences.
Pitroda, speaking to IANS, described PM Modi as a Gujarati friend whom he respected as an individual. He further recalled meeting the Prime Minister with his wife and said PM Modi had been warm, kind, loving and caring towards them on a personal level.
Pitroda acknowledged PM Modi’s public speaking skills and work ethic, describing him as a good orator and a hard-working person. He added that they got along well and had no personal issues.
“I have nothing against Mr Modi as a Gujarati leader, friend or well-wisher,” Pitroda said, adding that he appreciated the Prime Minister’s warmth towards him. He further recalled visiting PM Modi’s residence in Gujarat several times.
Watch: On Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda says, “He is a Gujarati friend. I respect him as a person. My wife and I have met him. He has been very warm, kind, loving and caring at a personal level. Of course, he is a good orator and hard-working, and we get along well. We have no personal issues. 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…”
— IANS (@ians_india) November 12, 2026
Pitroda’s comments distinguished his personal equation with PM Modi from their political disagreements, maintaining that differences over ideology and worldview need not prevent cordial relations.
The festive exchange came days after Pitroda spoke about mutual respect between individuals despite their political differences.
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