After being called a ‘Gujarati friend’, PM Modi extends festival greetings to Sam Pitroda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly exchanged Diwali greetings with Congress leader Sam Pitroda on social media after Pitroda referred to him as a 'Gujarati friend'. The interaction highlighted a rare moment of personal cordiality between the political rivals.
Why it matters
The exchange is notable given the intense political polarization between the BJP and the Congress party in India.
New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (November 12, 2026) conveyed Deepavali greetings to Sam Pitroda, a bitter critic of him and the BJP-led government, after the Indian Overseas Congress chief described him as a "Gujarati friend". "Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath," Modi said 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! @sampitroda - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2026 Earlier, Mr. Pitroda, a close associate of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, said that Modi is a “Gujarati friend” and he respects him as a person. Mr.
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