Leaders across political spectrum greet PM Modi on birthday

New Delhi: Leaders across the political spectrum greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday on Thursday, highlighting his 25 years in public office.

While President Droupadi Murmu hailed his record on governance, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recalled Modi's journey from an ordinary BJP volunteer to the nation's highest political office.

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan credited Modi with presiding over India’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, while Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said his journey from Gujarat chief minister to prime minister had given “a new momentum to India’s growth story”.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also wished Modi a long and healthy life.

Modi turned 76 on Thursday. He completes 25 uninterrupted years in public office on October 7, having first taken the oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 before becoming prime minister in 2014. In her message, Murmu said Modi had set numerous new benchmarks for good governance during his tenures as chief minister and prime minister and given “unprecedented momentum and a new direction to inclusive development”.

Radhakrishnan said under Modi’s leadership, India was “shining as a bright spot in the world and among the fastest-growing major economies”. He cited the country’s progress in areas ranging from digital technology and space to healthcare, infrastructure and manufacturing. Shah described Modi as a symbol of tireless hard work, sacrifice, and foresight, and said his life was dedicated to national service. “The life of Modi ji, who has made ‘karma’ his ‘sadhana’ and national service the aim of his life, is an epic tale of penance, sacrifice and unwavering resolve,” he said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said India was forging a new identity on the global stage under Modi’s leadership and making progress in development, self-reliance, innovation, digital technology, infrastructure and public welfare.

Naidu hailed Modi’s journey from Gujarat chief minister to prime minister. “Marking 25 exemplary years of public service, from leading Gujarat as a transformational CM to guiding the nation as a revolutionary PM, you have given a new momentum to India’s growth story,” he said.

JD(U) chief and former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also extended his greetings. Wishing Modi a healthy and long life.

BJP president Nitin Nabin described Modi as the embodiment of dedication and service to the nation.

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