India, Nov. 12 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday conveyed Diwali greetings to Sam Pitroda, a bitter critic of him and the BJP-led Government, after the Indian Overseas Congress chief described him as a "Gujarati friend".

"Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you, Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath," Modi said in a post on X.

Earlier, Pitroda, a close associate of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, said that Modi is a Gujarati friend and he respects him as a person.

Pitroda said he and his wife met Modi in the past and the prime minister had been very warm towards them.

"I have nothing against Mr. Modi as a Gujarati leader, friend or well-wisher. He has been very warm ...