Modi and Pitroda Exchange Diwali and New Year Greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged festive greetings with Sam Pitroda, the Indian Overseas Congress chief, after Pitroda described Modi as a Gujarati friend and said their political differences did not amount to personal hostility. Modi wished Pitroda and his wife, Anjana, a happy Diwali and Gujarati New Year in a post on X, addressing him as “Sam Bhai” and Anjana as “Anjana Ben.”

Modi’s message included wishes for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Pitroda replied by thanking him and returning the greetings. The exchange followed Pitroda’s comments in an interview about his relationship with the prime minister.

Pitroda said he respected Modi as a person and that the two had no personal issues. He described Modi as warm toward him and said he and his wife had met Modi and visited his home in Gujarat several times. Pitroda also praised Modi’s oratory and work ethic.

He distinguished that personal rapport from his objections to Modi’s political views and ideology. Pitroda said those disagreements were about ideas, not the individual, and said he could disagree with Modi while still having a friendly conversation with him.

Modi’s post also prompted a response to another X user,...