Rahul turns 48, wishes pour in, Congress celebrates

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday turned 48 and several senior Congress leaders reached his mother Sonia Gandhi's residence at 10 Janpath to greet him on his birthday while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and political leaders across the country also wished him.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee, in a tweet to wish Gandhi, said that he had "an unparalleled legacy of nation building behind you and an outstanding responsibility in the future". Thanking Mukherjee, Gandhi said: "Thank you Pranab Da for your wishes and kind words. I appreciate them."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also wished Gandhi in a tweet.

Party supporters and workers got into a celebratory mood, dancing to the beat of drums in the morning outside the Congress office on Akbar Road here. 

There were similar vibes outside 10 Janpath, where Youth Congress members led the celebrations. They also went inside to meet Rahul Gandhi. 

Among the leaders visiting Sonia Gandhi's residence were former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Randeep Surjewala, P.C. Chacko, Ajay Maken, Sushmita Dev and most of the steering committee members including A.K. Antony, Ambika Soni, Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ashok Gehlot, Motilal Vora, Mukul Wasnik, Sushilkumar Shinde and others.

This is Rahul Gandhi's first birthday after becoming the party President.

Greeting him, Modi tweeted: "Birthday greetings to Congress President Rahul Gandhi. I pray for his long and healthy life." 

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said: "Here's wishing Rahul Gandhi a very happy 48th birthday. May the almighty bless you with good health, much success & many more years in the service of the nation."

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav tweeted: "Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Rahul Gandhiji. You have exhibited remarkable vision and exemplary leadership. On your birthday, I wish you peace, good health, success and happiness. Congratulations and Happy Birthday."

DMK Working President M.K. Stalin also wished Rahul Gandhi, wishing him "many more years of service to the nation". 

Former Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav also wished him.

Gandhi later thanked everyone for the wishes and said: "I am overwhelmed by the birthday wishes that I have received from all corners of our country and abroad." 

"Your greetings, blessings and prayers are my strength. I want to thank each and every one of you for remembering me today. May God bless you all," he added. - IANS