NEW DELHI: Congress’s overseas wing head, Sam Pitroda, is a vocal critic of PM Narendra Modi and the key organiser of Rahul Gandhi‘s overseas outreach events.But the festive season brought out of him rare words of praise for Modi, who in turn extended his Diwali greetings to the fellow Gujarati.Modi said, “Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath!”In remarks to a news agency, Pitroda had called Modi a “Gujarati friend” whom he respects as a person.“My wife and I have met him. He has been very warm, kind, loving and caring at a personal level. Of course, he is a good orator and hard-working, and we get along well. We have no personal issues. I have nothing against Mr Modi as a Gujarati leader, friend or well-wisher. He has been very warm towards me, and I appreciate that. Similarly, I have been to his house in Gujarat several times,” he said.Modi’s greetings took even some BJP supporters by surprise. One said on X if he could wish Pitroda, he could wish him as well. Sure enough, Modi posted his Diwali greetings to him.