Prime Minister Narendra Modi found himself playing the role of a fellow commuter's benefactor when Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar jokingly asked him to buy his Metro ticket during a ride in Bengaluru.
Shivakumar revealed the amusing exchange while speaking to reporters on Saturday, recalling how he told Modi he did not have money with him during their journey on the newly inaugurated Pink Line.
"I did not have money with me, so I told him, 'You buy my ticket'. He swiped his card for me as well," Shivakumar said, describing the light-hearted moment.
The unexpected story has drawn attention online, offering a glimpse of the lighter side of an encounter between two leaders from rival political parties.
The interaction took place on Friday, November 13, when Modi inaugurated the elevated section of Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line and travelled on the new corridor with Shivakumar, Karnataka Governor Sudha Yadav, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya.
The Prime Minister and Shivakumar were seen interacting during the journey, with photographs and videos from the ride attracting attention.
Shivakumar later described his relationship with Modi as one based on mutual respect, saying political differences should not stand in the way of development.
"We all have to work together in the interest of the nation.
