PM Modi’s Birthday Message to Rahul Gandhi Sparks Political Pause

In an unusual display of political courtesy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wished Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his 55th birthday. On X, Modi tweeted, "Birthday wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi. May he live a long and healthy life."

The gesture comes at a time of upticked political tensions after the recent Lok Sabha polls, during which Gandhi became Leader of the Opposition for the first time in a decade.

 

Key Highlights:

While the birthday greetings seem to be a ritual, they represent the sign of a gesture of respect across party lines in India's otherwise partypolarized political culture. As Gandhi assumes the new position, the greetings from both sides of the political divide represent a more active and visible Opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha.

 

Sources: The Hans India, Business Standard, News18