Varanasi, Sep 17 (IANS) The parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is celebrating its MP’s 68th birthday with a big bash. The entire city has been decked up on the occasion.
A large 68-kg cake of “laddoos” was cut by burqa-clad women at the Azam Park in Lahurabir locality here. Many of the women were from the minority wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The women also sang the happy birthday song for their MP and prayed for his long and healthy life.
The intellectual wing of the ruling party held a 108-litre “Kesar Jal” “Rudrabhishek” along with milk of the holy Ganga river at the Ahilyabai Ghat and prayers were held for a long life of Modi. A “68-Kundalini Mahayajna” was also organized at the Panini Girls Degree College.
Girls took part in this yajna and offered “Aahutis” as they said Prime Minister Modi has done a lot of things for empowerment of girls.
Girl students also held a birthday bash for the Prime Minister at the Agrasen Kanya PG College’s Bulanala campus. Cake was distributed on this occasion. Some schools and colleges have undertaken a cleanliness drive and programmes of Yoga to mark the 68th birthday of Modi.
Tea parties have also been organized in some localities.
Modi is scheduled to arrive in Varanasi later in the day to celebrate his birthday with his voters. He will also visit the fabled Kashi Vishwanath temple and later interact with students.
He will also launch developmental projects worth Rs 587 crore, an official of the state government informed. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already reached Varanasi to receive the Prime Minister.
Earlier, greeting Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind wished him a “long life and many years of dedicated service to the people of the country”.
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu in his greeting said: “India is making rapid strides under his visionary leadership and taking its rightful place in the comity of nations. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life.”
A host of opposition leaders including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended their good wishes to the Prime Minister.
Modi’s ministerial and party colleagues took to Twitter to wish him.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said: “Warm birthday compliments to the dynamic and illustrious Prime Minister. I wish him good health and a long life. May he continue to render for many more years his exceptional services to the nation and guide the country to its glory.”
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called Modi a man with a vision for “New India”.
Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad wished Modi to “continue guiding our country on the path of prosperity”.
Uttar pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath in his greeting said under Modi India was moving ahead on the path of progress and prosperity and has found a prominent place in international forums.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said: “Birthday greetings to PM Modi and I pray for his healthy and long life.”
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav tweeted “Wishing a very Warm & Happy birthday to respected PM Sh. @narendramodi ji! May God bless you healthy & long life, success and strength to live up to the expectations of 125 Crore Indians & fulfil the dreams & promises shown and given to the people! #HappyBdayPMModi”.
Marking the occasion, the Delhi unit of the BJP launched a week-long programme wherein various welfare initiatives will be undertaken in the national capital.
