Birthday wishes and congratulatory messages poured in for Prime Minister Narendra Modi from across political spectrum on Thursday. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan conveyed their wishes, crediting Mr. Modi as a leader for driving governance reforms, inclusive growth, and progress towards “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

Marking the occasion, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised events such as lighting of diyas (oil lamps) and blood donation camps across the country.

“Over the past 25 years, during your tenure as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, you have established many new benchmarks of good governance and imparted unprecedented momentum and a new direction to inclusive development,” said Ms. Murmu on X, wishing Mr. Modi good health and long life for his continued campaign of “public service and nation-building”.

The Vice-President said: “Under your steadfast and visionary leadership, Bharat is shining as a bright spot in the world and among the fastest-growing major economies. Over 25 crore Indians have come out of extreme poverty. A transformative digital revolution has empowered millions, and every sector — from space, technology, and healthcare to infrastructure and manufacturing — has witnessed remarkable growth.”

Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and his Lok Sabha counterpart, Rahul Gandhi, greeted Mr. Modi on his 76th birthday. “Best wishes to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on his birthday. May he be blessed with good health and long life,” Mr. Kharge said in a post on X. Mr. Gandhi said: “Happy birthday to PM Narendra Modi ji. Wishing you good health and a long life.”

Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Keralam Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief and State Chief Minister Hemant Soren were among the heads of State governments who sent birthday greetings to the Prime Minister.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said on X: “Warm birthday greetings to Hon’ble Prime Minister Thiru. @NarendraModi avl. Wishing him good health, happiness and a long life.” Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik extended his wishes, as did Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav.

Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) chief H.D. Deve Gowda blessed Mr. Modi with long and healthy life. Former Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United)’s Nitish Kumar also extended his greetings. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde described Mr. Modi as the embodiment of India’s progress and the aspirations of its people.

Seva Yatra

Mr. Modi’s Cabinet colleagues showered praises on him for his contributions to the country’s development over the 25 years of public service. Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off the Seva Yatra being undertaken on 250 motorcycles from Vadnagar in Gujarat to the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, where it will conclude on October 17.

The event is part of the “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan”, a month-long programme from September 17 to October 17, marking Mr. Modi’s birthday and 25 years since he became Gujarat Chief Minister.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also flagged off the “Seva Sankalp Yatra” from Varanasi to Vadnagar. The programme was attended by Mr. Naidu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Chirag Paswan among others.

BJP president Nitin Nabin and crores of party workers and supporters lit the “Aashirwad Ka Diya” to mark Mr. Modi’s birthday. In Ujjain, at Ram Ghat on the banks of Mokshadayini Maa Shipra, he said the Prime Minister was the “Pradhan Sevak” whose mantra of service was Antyodaya, the spirit of Nation First, and development rooted in India’s heritage.

Describing Mr. Modi as the “architect of modern India”, Mr. Nabin said the “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan” was inspired by his resolve throughout his public life to serve the country, work for public welfare, and bring positive change in the lives of those standing at the last rung of society.