Prime Minister Modi sends Diwali wishes to Congress leader Sam Pitroda

Prime Minister Modi has sent Diwali and Gujarati New Year wishes on X to senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda after Pitroda called him a Gujarati friend. Pitroda, who often criticises Modi and the central BJP government in politics, praised the Prime Minister in an interview with a news agency by calling him very affectionate, hardworking, and a good speaker, adding that Congress parliamentary party leader Sonia Gandhi also called him a good speaker in 2018. Pitroda stated that while he has ideological and political disagreements with Modi, he holds no personal bitterness or enmity toward him as a friend, well-wisher, and leader from Gujarat. He recalled visiting Modi's home in Gujarat multiple times with his wife and being hosted with great warmth, noting that he can politically disagree with Modi while still sharing a dinner and laughing with him. Following the interview, Modi posted a message on Thursday wishing brother Sam and his wife Anjana Ben a happy Diwali and a healthy, joyful new year, ending with Jai Jagannath. The interaction grew when a social media user named Mihir Jha replied to the post with a crying emoji asking the Prime Minister to wish him too, to which Modi responded warmly with a smiling emoji wishing brother Mihir a great festive season and year ahead, prompting a thank you note from Mihir. ## Context Social media exchanges between top political figures and citizens often draw wide public attention, especially when leaders known for sharp political rivalries share cordial personal greetings. Such moments highlight the distinction between professional political opposition and personal relationships in public life, a dynamic frequently seen during major festive occasions like Diwali.