‘Personal Ties, Political Differences’: Sam Pitroda On His Friendly Exchange With PM Modi
New Delhi: Congress leader Sam Pitroda found himself at the centre of a political debate after a friendly exchange of Diwali and New Year greetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The senior Congress leader said the messages carried no political meaning and should not be read as a shift in his party’s opposition to the BJP.
Pitroda said the fuss over the exchange was unnecessary. He argued that two people could remain cordial despite holding sharply different political views, and that personal goodwill should not be mistaken for political alignment.
“I am surprised by the attention that the exchange of Diwali and New Year wishes with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attracted,” Mr Pitroda said. He stressed that the exchange was “purely personal” and had “nothing to do with politics.”
A Personal Bond, Not Politics
For Pitroda, the issue was straightforward: people could respect one another without agreeing on politics. He said he had long seen Modi as a friend and well-wisher, even though their political beliefs were very different.
“I can separate personal relations from political rivalries. In my case, personal equations don’t interfere with political equations,” he said.
In an interview with NDTV, Pitroda said the Prime Minister had always been kind and considerate towards him and his wife. Although they had not met since Modi became Prime Minister, he said Modi had sent them a message, which he returned.
“He was gracious enough to send a message to me and my wife. I reciprocated. It’s a very human thing to do,” he said.
He added that he and his wife had known several Gujarati politicians and shared different kinds of relationships with them. Prime minister Modi had earlier publicly wished Pitroda and his wife a happy Diwali and Gujarati New Year, calling him “Sam Bhai.”
Pitroda was asked whether his friendly remarks about the Prime Minister clashed with the Congress’s criticism of him. He said his personal view should not be confused with the party’s official position.
“That’s the party’s relationship with him, not mine. I can comment on my relationship, not the Congress’s relationship with him,” he said.
‘Politics Beyond Religion’
Pitroda made it clear that friendship did not mean political agreement. He said India’s political atmosphere had become too hostile and criticised the growing role of religion in public life.
“My idea of India is different. I don’t believe in putting religion in front of politics. As a Prime Minister, I would not spend so much time on temples and pujas. The Prime Minister is the Prime Minister for everybody. That is my idea,” he said.
He said excessive talk about religion was dividing society. He also dismissed suggestions that his exchange with PM Modi was meant to open a channel between the Prime Minister and the Congress.
“No. This was just a human conversation. The exchange was between Sam Pitroda and Narendra bhai. It has nothing to do with the party,” he said, adding that he had neither met nor spoken to Modi in 15 years.
‘Coffee Despite Differences’
Pitroda also responded to Sonia Gandhi’s account in her book, in which she said PM Modi had allegedly avoided eye contact with her. He said there was no reason for every Congress leader to have the same relationship with the Prime Minister.
“She has a relationship with the PM, I have my own. Why should we have the same relationship? Separate personal relations from the party’s agenda,” he said.
He said political disagreement should not prevent basic courtesy. “I can disagree with you and still have coffee,” he said, adding that he could oppose Mr Modi’s ideas while still treating him with respect.
‘My Devices Are Targeted’
Pitroda also backed Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that his phone was under surveillance. He said his own phone and other devices had faced repeated attacks.
“My phone is also tapped. But the Prime Minister doesn’t sit and do it himself. My devices are constantly attacked. I don’t know who is doing that, but somebody is doing it. I don’t care,” he said.
He did not name anyone responsible for the alleged surveillance. He said his phone and laptop were constantly targeted and that he had raised the matter with Apple and cybersecurity experts.
On Rahul’s US Visit
Pitroda also spoke about Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming visit to the United States. He said the Congress leader would spend two days there and that the two would discuss several issues.
He rejected BJP allegations that Mr Gandhi used foreign visits to criticise India. Pitroda said the Congress leader met students and think tanks during such trips and that the party had no anti-India agenda.
“Rahul Gandhi comes and meets me. He meets students and think-tanks. We have no anti-India agenda. This is our country too. No one can say we are anti-national. All this talk is bogus,” he said.
Pitroda said the Congress stood for “democracy, diversity and inclusion.” He argued that criticising the government was not the same as being against the country.
‘Personal Ties, Political Differences’: Sam Pitroda On His Friendly Exchange With PM Modi
