‘I Respect PM Modi’: Sam Pitroda Says Differences Are Political, Not Personal After Diwali Greetings

Last Updated:November 14, 2026, 07:42 IST

Sam Pitroda said extending wishes to the Prime Minister was a matter of courtesy and should not be viewed through a political lens.

File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda. (Source: PTI)

Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda reiterated that he respects Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “fellow Gujarati” and saying their differences are political rather than personal.

In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, a day after the two exchanged Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings, Sam Pitroda said extending wishes to the Prime Minister was a matter of courtesy and should not be viewed through a political lens.

“I respect the PM, and that’s why I wished him. He is a fellow Gujarati and this is courtesy,” Sam Pitroda told CNN-News18.

Responding to questions about the possible objections within the Congress over his gesture, Sam Pitroda said it was for the party to decide whether it had a problem with him wishing Modi.

“It’s the Congress problem if they have an issue with me over this,” he said.

‘We Don’t Have To Agree With His Political Views’

Sam Pitroda said that having a personal equation with PM Modi did not mean he agreed with the Prime Minister’s political positions.

“I may have a personal equation, but that does not mean that we have to agree with his political views,” he said. He also pointed out that he had not met PM Modi in 15 years, while stressing the importance of maintaining basic courtesy across political differences.

“I think we need to show this courtesy and work together, as this is what people expect from us. After all, he is the PM of our country,” Sam Pitroda said.

What PM Modi Said To Sam Pitroda

PM Modi extended Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings to Pitroda on Thursday. The PM posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath!”

Sam Pitroda reciprocated, thanking PM Modi for his wishes and extending greetings to him.

“Thank you very much for the greetings Narendra Bhai. We reciprocate the same and wish you healthy years ahead,” he wrote.

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What did Sam Pitroda say about his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

Sam Pitroda stated that he respects Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a fellow Gujarati and described their differences as strictly political rather than personal, emphasizing that extending Diwali greetings was a matter of basic courtesy.

How did Prime Minister Narendra Modi respond to Sam Pitroda’s Diwali greetings?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the greetings on X by addressing him as “Sam Bhai” and wishing both Pitroda and his wife, Anjana Ben, a joyful and healthy year ahead along with a “Jai Jagannath” greeting.

What was Sam Pitroda’s stance regarding potential objections from Congress over his wishes to PM Modi?

Sam Pitroda asserted that extending courtesy wishes should not be viewed through a political lens, stating that if the Congress party has an issue with his gesture, it is their problem to resolve.

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About the Author

Pallavi Ghosh

Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. S…Read More

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