Indian leaders across the spectrum send birthday wishes to Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 76th birthday on Thursday, prompting a wave of public messages from across India’s political landscape. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted infrastructure, digital connectivity and welfare initiatives, framing them as steps toward a ‘Viksit Bharat’ under Modi’s leadership. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called for a nationwide ‘Lamp of Blessings’ ceremony and praised Modi as the driver of a developed India.

Opposition voices were mixed: Rahul Gandhi posted a concise birthday wish, whereas Arvind Kejriwal accused the prime minister of undermining democracy through alleged voter-list manipulation in Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended their congratulations, with Shah emphasizing Modi’s dedication to national service and linking the celebration to a bike rally under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’. The flurry of messages underscores both support for and criticism of Modi’s tenure as the nation approaches its 2047 development target.