'Happy Diwali Sam bhai': Pitroda gets wish from 'friend' Modi
What's the story
Congress leader Sam Pitroda got an expected Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan wish from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting aside their political differences and ideologies. "Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead," PM Modi wrote on X, tagging the Indian Overseas Congress chief.
Response
He is a good orator: Pitroda
Modi was replying to Pitroda's interview with IANS, where he described the prime minister as a "Gujarati friend" and that he respected him as a person.
"My wife and I have met him. He has been very warm, kind, loving and caring at...personal level. Of course, he is a good orator and hard-working, and we get along well. We have no personal issues."
Differences
'I may have issues with his views but...'
Regarding their differences, Pitroda said that they were political and ideological, but never personal.
"I may have issues with his views...his ideology. But that's a separate issue; that's not against the individual. It's against the idea. And these are two separate things," he said.
"I can disagree with Mr Modi, and I can also have dinner with him and have a laugh," he adds.
X
Light-hearted exchange on social media
The PM's Diwali wishes to Pitroda also led to a light-hearted exchange on social media. An X user, Mihir Jha, cheekily requested PM Modi to extend his festive greetings to everyone else too.
Responding to the request, Modi wrote back with his own Diwali wishes: "Aapko bhi Happy Diwali Mihir Bhai. Have a great festive season and year ahead."
History
History of political clashes
The cordial exchange is a departure from the past, when the two had clashed.
During the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, Modi had criticized Pitroda for his remarks comparing Indians's physical appearances to those from Africa, China, Arab countries, and Europe.
Demanding a response from Rahul Gandhi over Pitroda's comments, Modi said the "country will not tolerate the disrespect."