Congress leader Rahul Gandhi greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday today, drawing attention on social media for a small but noticeable omission in his one-line message. The opposition politician’s choice of words quickly became a trending talking point, with many netizens remarking that Gandhi “forgot to add Shri” before referring to Modi.
Gandhi, who has maintained a combative stance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government on issues ranging from economic policy to social harmony, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning to post a simple message: “Happy birthday to Narendra Modi ji.” While the wish itself was seen by many as cordial, several users highlighted that the Congress leader addressed the Prime Minister without the customary “Shri,” a respectful honorific often used for senior political leaders.
The greeting, despite being short, sparked debate. Supporters of the BJP shared screenshots pointing out the missing prefix, claiming it reflected Gandhi’s lack of respect. Some users even trended hashtags calling attention to the omission. Others, however, argued that Gandhi’s use of “ji” still denoted courtesy and that the birthday wish deserved acknowledgment beyond minor semantics.
Political analysts suggest that even seemingly small word choices are magnified in today’s hyperactive online environment. “Birthday greetings from opposition leaders to sitting Prime Ministers are scrutinized for tone and language. The omission of a prefix may not be intentional, but it acquires political meaning in the digital age,” said a Delhi-based political observer.
This was not the first time birthday messages between political rivals attracted headlines. Over the years, leaders from across the aisle, including Sonia Gandhi and various regional heads, have sent formal greetings to Modi. Each interaction often sets off waves of social media commentary, reflecting the deeply polarized nature of political discourse in India.
As Modi entered his 75th year, wish messages poured in from global leaders, chief ministers, and union ministers. The Prime Minister is scheduled to attend official events throughout the week, marking the milestone. Whether Gandhi’s greeting was viewed as too brief or just appropriately succinct, it once again illustrated how even routine gestures are dissected in India’s political digital space.
PM Modi’s 75th birthday
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will celebrate PM Modi’s 75th birthday on Wednesday, September 17. The party will carry out a 15-day nationwide campaign, Seva Pakhwada, to mark PM Modi’s 75th birthday.
The party is organising blood donation camps, cleanliness drives, and exhibitions across the country to showcase the achievements of the central government during the campaign.
PM Modi himself is travelling to Dhar in Madhya Pradesh to kick off a nationwide campaign focusing on women and children health and nutrition.
He will launch a slew of other development programmes, including one with focus on tribal population, and address people as well.
BJP leaders, allies and members of other parties extended birthday wishes to Modi, who has led his party to unprecedented geographical expansion and electoral success since 2014.
