From blood donation drives and lamp-lighting ceremonies to prayers at temples, the BJP organised events across several states on Thursday to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday and his 25 years in public life.
Chief ministers from across the political spectrum extended birthday wishes to Modi, with NDA leaders praising his public service record and expressing support for his vision of a self-reliant and developed India.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath connected Modi's 25-year public career with changes in rural India, saying the impact of his focus on public service could be seen in growing instances of self-reliance in villages.
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Speaking at the launch of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Varanasi, Adityanath said Modi had continued his journey without stopping or wavering, following the principle of ‘charaiveti, charaiveti'.
The BJP's nationwide Seva Sankalp Abhiyan will run from September 17 to October 17. The month-long programme includes lamp-lighting events, youth-focused activities and other initiatives involving public participation.
At an event in Gorakhpur, Adityanath noted that Modi's birthday coincided with the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma, traditionally regarded as the deity of craftsmen.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said India was progressing on the development path under Modi's leadership. Speaking in Kolkata, he said September 17 would be observed as ‘Annapurna Divas' in the state every year, citing the monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 under the scheme.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Modi had moved the country forward with determination, identifying welfare, social justice, infrastructure development and national security as key features of his public career.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also praised Modi's leadership and the NDA for providing stability to the country.
In Gujarat's Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off a bike rally headed towards Varanasi as part of the birthday celebrations. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present.
A corresponding bike rally towards Vadnagar was launched from Varanasi, Modi's parliamentary constituency, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Adityanath and other senior BJP leaders.
In Madhya Pradesh, more than 25 lakh diyas illuminated the banks of the Kshipra river in Ujjain as part of the celebrations. BJP president Nitin Nabin and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav lit lamps and released them into the river at Ramghat.
Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district. He turned 76 on Thursday and will complete 25 years in public office on October 7. He first became Gujarat chief minister in 2001 and went on to become prime minister in 2014.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Modi does not personally celebrate his birthday and that various programmes were therefore being organised to mark the occasion.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said Modi remained focused on his work and did not pay attention to criticism from the opposition.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said the country was witnessing a new phase of development under Modi's leadership. BJP workers across the state organised havans and blood donation camps, while the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya' campaign saw leaders, workers and members of the public lighting lamps at homes, temples and public places.
The celebrations also drew criticism from the CPI(ML) Liberation in Bihar. State secretary Kunal criticised the BJP for holding the events while parts of the state were dealing with floods, calling programmes such as ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya' and ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' insensitive.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also extended birthday greetings to Modi. Majhi said Modi's leadership and support for Odisha continued to motivate efforts towards building a stronger and self-reliant state.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang thanked Modi for his support for the development of the Northeast, while Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted what he described as Modi's contributions to the country and the state.
Chief ministers from non-NDA states also conveyed their wishes. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said Modi had been working towards building a strong India and wished him good health and a long life.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren wished Modi good health and longevity, invoking Marang Buru's blessings. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan also extended wishes for Modi's health, happiness and long life.
Governors from several states also conveyed their birthday greetings to the prime minister.
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