‘I Respect PM Modi’: Sam Pitroda Says It’s Congress’ Problem If It Objects To His Diwali Greetings
Sam Pitroda defends Diwali greetings to Narendra Modi, saying political differences are personal matters as the exchange sparks Congress debate.
Sam Pitroda Defends Diwali Greetings Exchange With Narendra Modi: Overseas Congress Chief Says Personal Relations Are Different From Political Differences As Gujarati New Year Wishes Trigger Political Debate
A surprising exchange of festive greetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda has sparked a political discussion across the country. Pitroda, who heads the Indian Overseas Congress, has defended his decision to exchange Diwali wishes with the Prime Minister, saying that personal relationships should not be confused with political disagreements.
The controversy began after Narendra Modi extended Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings to Pitroda and his wife, Anjana Ben, on November 12, 2026. Pitroda responded by thanking the Prime Minister and wishing him good health.
Speaking about the interaction, Pitroda said he respected Narendra Modi as an individual and had known him for a long time. He also questioned why a simple exchange of festive greetings had become such a major political issue.
The Congress leader maintained that differences in political ideology do not necessarily mean personal hostility.
How Did Narendra Modi And Sam Pitroda Exchange Diwali Wishes?
The exchange started after Pitroda described Narendra Modi as his Gujarati friend and spoke positively about their personal relationship.
Following these remarks, Prime Minister Modi posted a festive message wishing Pitroda and his wife a happy Diwali and Gujarati New Year.
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!”
Pitroda responded warmly, thanking Narendra Bhai for the greetings and wishing him healthy years ahead.
The interaction quickly attracted attention because Pitroda is a prominent Congress leader who has frequently criticised the BJP-led government.
The exchange also became a talking point on social media, with political observers questioning whether the friendly interaction indicated any change in the relationship between the Congress leadership and the Prime Minister.
‘Political Differences Are Not Personal’: Pitroda Clarifies His Stand
During an interview with NDTV, Sam Pitroda explained that his relationship with Narendra Modi was separate from the political relationship between the Congress and the BJP.
He said he had known Modi even before he became Prime Minister and had visited his home in Gujarat several times.
According to Pitroda, the Prime Minister had always been warm and welcoming towards him and his family.
He also praised Modi’s hard work and communication skills while making it clear that he continued to disagree with the Prime Minister’s ideology and political positions.
Pitroda described himself as a person who respected everyone and said he did not consider political opponents to be personal enemies.
He questioned the criticism surrounding the exchange, arguing that exchanging festival greetings was a normal human gesture rather than a political statement.
Overseas Congress Chief Says He Will Not Leave Congress
The controversy also brought attention to Pitroda’s position within the Congress party.
Some political comments suggested that his friendly remarks about Narendra Modi could indicate a possible shift in his political position.
Congress leader Hussain Dalwai reportedly questioned whether Pitroda’s praise for the Prime Minister suggested that he was considering leaving the party.
Pitroda strongly rejected the suggestion and reaffirmed his commitment to the Congress.
He made it clear that exchanging Diwali greetings with Narendra Modi did not mean that he was changing his political loyalties.
His response was aimed at separating his personal equation with the Prime Minister from his responsibilities and political beliefs as a Congress leader.
Gujarati New Year Greetings Add Another Dimension
The reference to Gujarati New Year, also known as Nutan Varsh, made the exchange particularly interesting.
Diwali and Gujarati New Year are significant festive occasions for people from Gujarat. Narendra Modi’s message included greetings for both celebrations and addressed Pitroda affectionately as Sam Bhai.
Pitroda also responded using the familiar Narendra Bhai expression.
Their shared Gujarati background was an important part of Pitroda’s explanation of their personal connection.
He recalled meeting Modi several times and said their interactions had been friendly despite their different political viewpoints.
The exchange demonstrated how cultural and personal relationships can sometimes exist independently of political rivalries.
BJP And Congress Political Differences Remain Unchanged
Despite the friendly exchange, there is no indication that the political differences between the Congress and the BJP have disappeared.
The two parties continue to disagree on several major issues, including governance, economic policies, national security and the direction of India’s political institutions.
Sam Pitroda has also faced criticism from the BJP over his previous remarks and his association with Rahul Gandhi’s international engagements.
The BJP has repeatedly questioned his statements and political activities, while Pitroda has rejected allegations of working against India’s interests.
His latest comments have once again brought the relationship between personal interactions and political disagreements into the spotlight.
Why Has The Sam Pitroda And Narendra Modi Exchange Become A Political Talking Point?
The incident has attracted attention because interactions between leaders from opposing political parties are often viewed through a political lens.
For some observers, Modi’s Diwali message and Pitroda’s response represent a simple exchange of festive wishes.
For others, the interaction raises questions about political messaging and the relationship between individual leaders and their respective parties.
However, Pitroda has maintained that there is no hidden political meaning behind the exchange.
His central argument is that people can disagree on ideology while maintaining mutual respect and cordial personal relationships.
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Conclusion
Sam Pitroda’s defence of his Diwali greetings to Narendra Modi has added an unexpected dimension to the ongoing political debate between the Congress and the BJP.
The Overseas Congress chief has clearly stated that he respects the Prime Minister as an individual, even though he disagrees with his political ideology.
By rejecting speculation about leaving the Congress, Pitroda has also reiterated his commitment to the party.
The exchange highlights an important distinction in politics: personal respect and political disagreement do not always have to contradict each other.
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