'Praying for his good health & long life': PM Modi wishes Rahul on 56th birthday

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended birthday wishes to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on his 56th birthday. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: "Best wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji on his birthday. Praying for his good health and long life." Rahul Gandhi, who was born in New Delhi on June 19, 1970, received wishes from several Congress leaders and party colleagues on his birthday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge praised Gandhi's commitment to constitutional values and social justice. "Warm birthday wishes to Shri Rahul Gandhi. Your unbridled dedication to the ideals of the Constitution and your uncompromising fight for the unheard voices have inspired millions," Kharge wrote on X. He said the Congress party's traditions of inclusiveness, social justice, harmony and compassion were reflected in Gandhi's public life and leadership. "Through your tireless engagement with people and your courage in speaking truth to power, you have consistently championed the cause of the most vulnerable and marginalised. May you be blessed with good health, happiness, strength and a long life in service of the nation," Kharge added. Congress leader Pawan Khera also wished Gandhi, describing him as an 'anti-fragile icon' of Indian politics. "Few leaders have faced as much ridicule, hostility, and sustained scrutiny over such a long period. Many would have retreated from public life. Instead, every attempt to diminish him seems only to have strengthened his conviction, sharpened his politics, and deepened his connection with the people," he said. "The resilient withstand shocks and remain the same. The anti-fragile grow stronger because of them. To the 'anti-fragile icon' of Indian politics... Happy Birthday, Rahul Gandhi ji," Khera added. Congress X account also extended wishes to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. In a social media post, party handle wrote: "In a world where most choose to stay silent, you have consistently chosen to speak up for what you believe is right. Your relentless fight against injustice, inequality and the misuse of power has inspired millions. You make people believe that politics is not just brutal pursuit for power but it is a powerful agent of change, can be principled and be guided by compassion." Congress leaders in Kerala also extended birthday greetings to Gandhi, highlighting his political journey and outreach efforts. Kerala higher education minister Roji M John described Gandhi as a leader who had faced unprecedented challenges and political attacks. "Even when challenged through the cancellation of his Parliament membership and eviction from his official residence, Rahul Gandhi moved forward without fear or hesitation," John wrote in a Facebook post. Referring to the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he said Gandhi had promoted a message of love and unity while travelling from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and engaging directly with people across the country. John also said Gandhi had consistently raised concerns about democratic institutions and issues affecting young people, including alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. "Heartfelt birthday wishes to Gandhi, a leader who continues to shine as a beacon of hope for India amid challenging times," he added. Kerala ministers PC Vishnunadh and Bindhu Krishna also conveyed birthday greetings to Gandhi through social media posts, praising his commitment to truth, justice and public service.