After being called a ‘Gujarati friend’, PM Modi extends festival greetings to Sam Pitroda

Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda | Photo Credit: PTI 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, 2026Earlier, 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. Pitroda said he and his wife met Modi in the past and the Prime Minister had been very warm towards them."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," Mr. Pitroda was quoted as saying by a news agency.After Mr. Modi's response to Mr. Pitroda, an X user named Mihir Jha posted with a crying emoji, "Sam Pitroda ko Diwali wish kar saktey hain toh humein bhi wish kar do Modi Ji."To this, Mr. Modi replied, "Aapko Bhi Happy Diwali Mihir Bhai. Have a great festive season and year ahead" and added a grinning emoji. Published - November 12, 2026 05:16 pm IST