“Stood tall against hatred and insults, taught us to Choose Love”: INDIA bloc wishes Rahul Gandhi on 54th birthday

New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi turned 54 on Wednesday and was showered with best wishes from leaders and workers of his party and INDIA bloc.

The Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge wished for Gandhi's long, healthy and happy life and said the party's unity in diversity harmony and compassion was visible in his action.

Taking to social media platform X, Kharge said, "Your unwavering commitment to the values espoused in the Constitution of India and your emphatic compassion for the millions of unheard voices, are the qualities which sets you apart".

"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 added.

The Congress said on X (previously Twitter): "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.

Congress general secretary 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. The voice of the voiceless, the pillar of strength for the weak, the guardian of our Constitution, the quintessential Nyay Yoddha, and India's brightest hope for a glorious future!" Venugopal said on X.

"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," he said.

"He (Gandhi) has seen the toughest of times, faced the worst abuses, withstood attacks from all corners, but he has stood tall and never wavered from his principles no matter the ridicule or insult he faces," Venugopal said.

In him today, our country has a conscience keeper and a leader who has a lifelong mission of making our country into an inclusive, progressive and prosperous nation of all our dreams, Venugopal said.

"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.

Addressing him as ‘dear brother’, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin 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.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also wished Gandhi and said his persona is to fight against all odds.

"His outlook is to stand by the underprivileged. Sacrifice is inheritance and fighting is his philosophy. He is sagacious and the only leader to fulfill India's aspirations for tomorrow," Reddy said.