New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin on Friday extended birthday greetings to Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wishing him good health and happiness.

In a post on X, Stalin wrote, “Birthday greetings to Hon’ble Leader of Opposition Thiru. @RahulGandhi. Wishing you good health and happiness.”

The message was among a series of greetings from leaders across the political spectrum as Rahul Gandhi celebrated his 56th birthday on Friday.

Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge lauded LoP Gandhi’s commitment to constitutional values and his efforts to amplify the voices of the marginalised.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “Warm birthday wishes to Shri @RahulGandhi. Your unbridled dedication to the ideals of the Constitution and your uncompromising fight for the unheard voices have inspired millions.”

He added that Gandhi’s public life reflected the Congress party’s core values of inclusiveness, social justice, harmony and compassion.

“The Congress party’s tradition of inclusiveness, social justice, harmony and compassion finds expression in your public life and leadership. Through your tireless engagement with people and your courage in speaking truth to power, you have consistently championed the cause of the most vulnerable and marginalised,” Kharge said.

Wishing Gandhi good health and strength, Kharge added, “May you be blessed with good health, happiness, strength and a long life in service of the nation.”

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also conveyed his greetings, praising LoP Gandhi’s engagement with people from diverse sections of society.

“Throughout your public life, you have always stayed connected to the many voices that shape our nation. Whether it is the aspirations of our youth, the concerns of farmers, the dreams of women or the voices of the marginalised, you have consistently sought to bring their hopes and concerns to the centre of our national discourse,” Shivakumar said.

The Congress party also greeted Gandhi on X, describing him as a leader who has consistently spoken up for justice and equality.

“Happy Birthday to Shri Rahul Gandhi. In a world where most choose to stay silent, you have consistently chosen to speak up for what you believe is right,” the party said.

Rahul Gandhi, a senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, turned 56 on Friday. Born on this day in 1970, he is the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi spent his early years in New Delhi and studied at St. Columba’s School before joining The Doon School in Dehradun. During this period, his father entered active politics and later became Prime Minister following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.

Owing to security concerns faced by the family, Rahul Gandhi and his sister, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were subsequently educated through homeschooling for a period.

After briefly attending St. Stephen’s College at the University of Delhi, Rahul Gandhi moved to the United States to pursue higher education at Harvard University.

Following the assassination of his father in 1991 and the resulting security concerns, he later transferred to Rollins College in Florida, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1994. He subsequently earned an M.Phil. in Development Studies from Trinity College, Cambridge University, in 1995.

Following his academic pursuits, Rahul Gandhi began his professional career with the Monitor Group, a management consulting firm in London. Upon returning to India, he established Backops Services Private Limited, a technology outsourcing company based in Mumbai, and served as one of its directors.

Rahul Gandhi formally entered politics in 2004 when he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, a constituency previously represented by his father.

He secured a decisive victory and began his parliamentary career. Over the years, he has focussed on issues related to rural development, education, social welfare, youth participation, and women’s empowerment.

–IANS

rs/rad