Congress leader Sam Pitroda says personal Diwali wishes to PM Modi are separate from party politics

Congress overseas chief Sam Pitroda said his exchange of Diwali and New Year wishes with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attracted more attention than expected, emphasizing that the interaction was purely personal.

"I am surprised by the attention that exchange of Diwali and New Year wishes with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attracted," Pitroda told NDTV, adding that he can separate personal relations from political rivalries. He described the greeting as "a very human thing" and noted that he has long considered Modi a friend and well-wisher, maintaining personal equations despite political differences.

Pitroda said Modi had been warm and welcoming to him and his wife, though they have not met since Modi assumed office. "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, noting that he and his wife have relationships with several Gujarati politicians.

When asked about the contrast between his personal praise and Congress's criticism of the Prime Minister, Pitroda said the two should be viewed separately. "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.

He also expressed ideological differences, arguing that religion should not dominate politics. "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, adding that excessive religious discussion creates societal divisions.

Pitroda rejected claims that his greeting was an attempt to bridge party divides, stating, "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 also mentioned that his own phone had been targeted by surveillance, but did not attribute it directly to any individual.

Regarding Rahul Gandhi's upcoming U.S. visit, Pitroda said the Congress leader would discuss various issues and meet students and think-tanks, asserting that the party's agenda focuses on "democracy, diversity and inclusion."