Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
As former prime minister Manmohan Singh turned 92 on Thursday, an outpouring of warm birthday wishes from political leaders across party lines flooded social media, hailing his contributions to India's growth and development. Singh was India's PM between 2004 and 2014, and was the country's finance minister in the government headed by P V Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, a period marked by transformative economic reforms. Here’s how leaders from different corners of the political spectrum extended their birthday greetings:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted his predecessor on his birthday. “Birthday greetings to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray that he is blessed with a long and healthy life,” PM Modi said.
Rahul Gandhi
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who has often spoken about Singh’s pivotal role in shaping modern India, praised the former PM for his humility and wisdom. “Happy Birthday to Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Your humility, wisdom, and selfless service in shaping our country's future continue to inspire me and millions of Indians. Wishing you good health and happiness always!” Gandhi said in a heartfelt message on X.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra fondly remembered Singh as the 'pioneer of liberalisation and economic reforms' in India. She also credited Singh with bringing vital welfare policies to the forefront. “Heartiest birthday wishes to the pioneer of liberalisation and economic reforms in the country and former Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh ji. Manmohan Singh Ji gave the people wonderful welfare policies and rights like MNREGA, Right to Food, Right to Information, Right to Education. May God keep you healthy and long-lived," she said.
Arvind Kejriwal
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal joined the chorus of leaders praising Singh. “Birthday greetings to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ji. Wishing him good health and a long life,” Kejriwal said.
Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge honoured Singh as a 'rare embodiment of simplicity, dignity and ingenuity in the realm of politics.' In a heartfelt tribute, he said, “On the occasion of his birthday, I extend my warmest wishes to Former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji. A visionary statesman, whose actions spoke louder than words, we remain deeply grateful for his tremendous and invaluable contributions to the nation.”
Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also extended warm birthday wishes to Singh, saying, “Heartiest wishes to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh ji on his birthday. Prayers for his long and healthy life ahead.”
Adhir Chowdhury
Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury, known for his admiration of Singh, described the former PM as a 'great visionary' whose actions spoke louder than words. “Happy birthday to the great visionary of former prime minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh who taught the world leaders of talking less and working more to achieve the objectives of the growth of a nation like India who laid the foundation of a most vibrant and sustainable economic prowess of India. Wishing his long healthy life,” he posted on X.
Sharad Pawar
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar said, "Happy birthday to former prime minister of the country and senior Congress leader Shri. Manmohan Singh. Wishing you good health and long life!"
D K Shivakumar
Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar reflected on Singh’s leadership style, praising his 'simplicity and vision.' He wrote, “Warm birthday wishes to former PM Shri. Manmohan Singh. The simplicity and vision with which you have led the nation, displaying utmost determination and integrity, is truly remarkable and continues to inspire leaders across party lines.”
Supriya Sule
NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule took to social media to celebrate Singh’s economic acumen. “Wishing Former Prime Minister of India, a Great Economist Hon. Dr. Manmohan Singh Sir Happy Birthday. May you be blessed with a long and healthy life,” she said.
K C Venugopal
Congress leader K C Venugopal, in his tribute, highlighted Singh’s tenure as a time of unprecedented growth for India. “I extend the warmest greetings to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh ji on the occasion of his birthday! Under Dr. Singh’s stewardship, India saw unprecedented growth, progress and transformation during the UPA era. Despite the innumerable attacks he faced, like he once said, history will be kinder to him and his contributions to India’s development will be written in golden letters in history.”
