Sam Uncle: A ‘Naraz Phupha’ in the Congress Parivar?

Is Sam Uncle a ‘Naraz Phupha’? In politics, there are no permanent friends or foes. But when compliments come from the most unexpected quarters, particularly from someone considered a political mentor and confidant of the man who matters most in the Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, they inevitably raise questions and add an element of mystery.

The timing of these comments, coupled with recent developments within the Congress, has triggered speculation about the sudden change of heart of a man known as ‘Uncle Sam’ in top Congress circles. His generous appreciation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his personal qualities have given an intriguing twist to the ‘Nafrat Ki Dukan’ that the Congress has opened against Modi.

As is known, the party has repeatedly branded Modi a ‘Vote Chor’. Rahul Gandhi has said that the Prime Minister would not be able to step out of his house as youngsters would beat him with sticks. Slogans such as “Modi Teri Kabar Khudegi”, “Modi Ka Baap Bhi Jayega” and the infamous “Maut Ka Saudagar” have also been part of the political discourse surrounding him.

Some Congress cheerleaders may dismiss Pitroda’s generous praise of Modi on the eve of Deepavali and the Gujarati New Year as an expression of magnanimity. But there appears to be more to the episode than meets the eye.

Pitroda suddenly praised Modi as never before. He acknowledged the Prime Minister as a warm, kind, caring and hardworking person and also recognised his impressive oratorical skills.

He said, “We have no personal issues,” adding that he and Modi got along well. Pitroda revealed that he had visited Modi’s house in Gujarat several times and that his wife had also met the Prime Minister. Perhaps the most interesting observation from Sam Uncle was: “I can disagree with Modi, and I can also have dinner with him and have a laugh.”

Such compliments from an unexpected quarter caused ripples in Congress circles and triggered media speculation about the possibility of Pitroda changing sides. The reaction is understandable, particularly because there is no readily available record of either Prime Minister Modi or Pitroda publicly exchanging Gujarati New Year greetings in previous years.

As if smelling the coffee, some Congress leaders like Hussain Dalwai questioned Pitroda’s praise and speculated whether he was considering switching sides.

RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav questioned the political significance of Pitroda’s comments. The BJP welcomed the change of heart Sam had.

Pitroda has been a prominent critic of the Modi government and is closely associated with Rahul Gandhi’s overseas outreach. Yet, on this occasion, he reciprocated the Prime Minister’s greetings, saying: “Thank you very much for the greetings, Narendra Bhai. We reciprocate the same and wish you healthy years ahead.”

His public acknowledgement of Modi’s personal qualities, particularly his warmth, hard work and oratorical abilities, therefore attracted considerable political attention.

Sam showering such lavish praise on Modi cannot simply be brushed aside as an act of magnanimity. Consider the timing. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Chicago soon, but this time he is said to have chosen a different set of people from those who were once part of the Chicago caucus associated with Rajiv Gandhi. Some of them continue to hold important positions in the Congress party.

Another issue that merits attention is Sonia Gandhi’s memoirs, in which she appears to have left out several things that may have been inconvenient to her. That is understandable. But what stands out is the absence of any mention of Sam Pitroda, who was one of Rajiv Gandhi’s principal advisers.

Pitroda was once among the most influential advisers to Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, who sought to modernise India through technology. Today, he remains associated with the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, while publicly acknowledging Modi’s personal warmth, hard work and communication skills.

Against this backdrop, speculation is rife that relations between Rahul Gandhi and Sam may have hit a roadblock. Though Pitroda, for the present, rejected the suggestion, saying he would never leave the Congress, it could be a typical Congress-style signal of displeasure, directed at the very leader he once mentored.

In the Congress party, people do not always quit at the first sign of disagreement. They often begin by making controversial statements, sending out a message that they are unhappy and may be contemplating an exit. Some write letters to the party leadership seeking an audience, while others publicly criticise party policies or decisions.

Pitroda’s remarks were not a passing compliment. They amounted to a glowing account of Modi’s personal warmth, kindness and hard work. The Prime Minister, too, was quick to reciprocate, addressing him as ‘Sam Bhai’ and referring to his wife as ‘Anjana Ben’ while wishing them a joyful and healthy year ahead. The exchange also came against the backdrop of Modi’s Diwali Milan, where he underlined that his associations with journalists and political adversaries need not turn personal relationships into political rivalries.

Sonia Gandhi, however, offered a different picture of her personal interactions with Modi in her memoirs. She recalled that during the last 12 years, whenever she encountered the Prime Minister, there was never any eye contact between them. Their interaction was limited to a formal namaste.

So, the question arises: has Gujarati sentiment overtaken political considerations? And did Sam use the occasion to convey his displeasure with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi? Only time will tell.

Of course, it would be premature to jump to the conclusion that Pitroda is preparing to quit the Congress and join the BJP. Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda is Gujarati by birth, although he was born in Titlagarh, Odisha, on May 4, 1942. His parents had migrated from Gujarat to Odisha.

However, Sam Bhai received his education in Gujarat. He studied at Vallabh Vidyanagar and later at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara. His father was a carpenter, and Pitroda has spoken publicly about his pride in his humble background.

He was among the most influential technocratic advisers in Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s government (1984–1989). He was neither a conventional politician nor an elected representative, but a close confidant of Rajiv Gandhi who enjoyed considerable access to the Prime Minister. He played an important role in shaping the government’s technology and modernisation agenda. He was one of the key faces of Rajiv Gandhi’s ambitious effort to bring technology, scientific thinking and professional expertise into governance.

One of his most significant contributions was the establishment of the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) in 1984, in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi government.

The objective was to develop indigenous telecommunications technology suited to India’s requirements, particularly rural connectivity. C-DOT developed digital switching systems that could be manufactured in India, helping lay the foundation for a broader expansion of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The introduction and expansion of STD/PCO facilities became an important feature of the telecom transformation associated with this period.

Though Pitroda was not a politician, minister or conventional political strategist, Rajiv Gandhi relied on him to prepare a vision document for organisational reforms in the Congress. He was also associated with efforts to introduce computerised data management and professional methods into the party’s functioning.

He also played an important role in managing Congress election campaigns in 1989 and 1991. He was part of Rajiv Gandhi’s group of technocrats and advisers, often referred to as the Prime Minister’s ‘computer boys’.

He was an influential member of the former Prime Minister’s inner circle. That is precisely why his unexpected warmth towards Modi, at a time when the Congress continues to wage a bitter political battle against the Prime Minister, has acquired added significance.

Whether Sam Uncle is merely being magnanimous or is a ‘Naraz Phupha’ trying to send a message to the Congress Parivar is something that only the coming days may reveal.

(The author is former Chief Editor of The Hans India)

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V Ramu Sarma

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