Man who 'stood against hatred': INDIA bloc leaders hold up Rahul Gandhi

Birthday wishes pour in for Rahul Gandhi as he turned 54 on Wednesday, 19 June, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge saying that his qualities of unwavering commitment to the values espoused in the Constitution and his emphatic compassion for the millions of unheard voices set him apart.

Gandhi, a former Congress president and the sitting MP from Rae Bareli, has instructed all Congress workers to avoid any grand celebrations, and instead celebrate his special day with humanitarian efforts and charity if they so choose.

In a post on X, Kharge extended birthday greetings to Gandhi, saying:

"[The] Congress party's ethos of unity in diversity, harmony and compassion is visible in all your actions, as you continue in your mission to wipe off the tear from the last person standing, by showing the mirror of truth to power," he said.

Kharge wished Gandhi a long, healthy and happy life ahead.

Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief MK Stalin, another INDIA bloc ally, also hailed Gandhi on his birthday.

'Happy Birthday, dear brother Rahul Gandhi! Your dedication to the people of our country will take you to great heights. Wishing you a year of continued progress and success,' Stalin said on X.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav too wished Gandhi on his birthday.

Congress general secretary, in-charge (organisation), K.C. Venugopal said, 'I join crores of Indians in wishing our beloved leader Sh. Rahul Gandhi ji a very happy birthday!'

'Rahul ji is the undisputed leader of India's poor, marginalised and backward citizens, Venugopal posted on X, calling him:

'His selfless, dedicated and passionate commitment to serving the people is an inspiration for us all and his moral compass guides us every step of the way,' Venugopal wrote.

'I wish him a lifetime full of joy and the strength to fight the good fight! Rahul ji has specially instructed all Congress workers that they should avoid any grand celebrations, and instead celebrate this occasion by engaging in humanitarian efforts, charity and in an environmentally friendly manner,' he said.

Telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy also wished Gandhi on the occasion and said his persona is to fight against all odds.

In a post on X, the official Congress handle wished Rahul Gandhi, saying: 'Happy birthday to a leader who taught us to 'Choose Love'. Choose love when hate is hurled at you. Choose love when kindness appears impossible. Choose love when the going gets tough.Choose love when compassion depletes.

'One leader who stood against anger, hatred and tears. One leader who led from the front to reclaim our democracy. One leader who ushered in light and rekindled hope. Thank you for being you, Rahul Gandhi ji.'