New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on Thursday, September 17, with political leaders from across the political spectrum extending birthday wishes on social media.

While several leaders offered greetings and wishes for Modi's health and longevity, the messages varied in tone. Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi kept his message brief, while Union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju highlighted Modi's leadership and the government's development agenda.

Rahul Gandhi's birthday message

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted a short birthday message for the prime minister on X.

“Happy birthday to PM Narendra Modi ji. Wishing you good health and a long life.”

Gandhi's message did not include any reference to government policies or political issues and focused on Modi's health and longevity.

Rajnath Singh highlights 'Viksit Bharat'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his birthday greetings to Modi and referred to the government's development agenda.

Singh said India was moving towards the goal of “Viksit Bharat” under Modi's leadership. He highlighted areas including infrastructure, digital connectivity, welfare, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He also referred to good governance and public service and wished the prime minister good health, a long life and continued strength in serving the country.

Singh had also said ahead of the birthday that September 17 was significant because Modi is approaching 25 years as a head of government, with that milestone falling on October 7. The BJP and NDA partners have announced a month-long 'Seva Se Sankalp Abhiyan' from September 17 to October 17.

Kiren Rijiju wishes Modi good health and long life

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also wished the prime minister.

Rijiju said in his birthday message that he prayed for Modi's good health and long life, describing him as the person leading the country towards the goal of developed India.

Amit Shah praises Modi's public service

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended birthday greetings.

Shah described Modi as a symbol of hard work, sacrifice and foresight. He highlighted Modi's public-service journey and said his leadership had contributed to India's progress towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Shah also wished the prime minister a long and healthy life.

Yogi Adityanath recalls Modi's public life

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also wished Modi on his 76th birthday.

Yogi referred to Modi's 25 years of public life, describing service, good governance and nation-building as central themes of that journey. He posted his greetings from Varanasi, according to his social-media message.

Arvind Kejriwal's message takes a different tone

Former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal also posted a birthday message, but his post included criticism of the prime minister.

Kejriwal referred to his allegations concerning voter-list tampering in Delhi and linked the issue to Modi's political victory in the capital. He concluded the post with birthday wishes, while also accusing the prime minister of harming Indian democracy.

The allegation is Kejriwal's political claim, rather than an established finding presented as fact in the birthday messages.

Birthday wishes from leaders across parties

Other political leaders and constitutional office-holders also sent greetings to Modi. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan described Modi as a leader under whose direction India was making progress and wished him on his birthday.

The range of messages reflected the different political relationships leaders have with the prime minister — from brief personal greetings to detailed assessments of his government's record and, in some cases, criticism of his policies.

Prime Minister Modi's birthday also marks a period of political significance for the BJP, with the party and its allies organising service-oriented programmes around his birthday and the upcoming milestone marking 25 years since he first became a head of government.