Congress leader Rahul Gandhi used his birthday on Friday to reaffirm the Congress party's political alliances and partnerships, responding to greetings from leaders across the opposition spectrum with messages emphasising unity, constitutional values and shared political goals.
Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, turned 56 on Friday.
Thanking DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin for his wishes, Gandhi said their shared commitment to protecting the idea of India, the Constitution and federalism would continue to guide both parties.
"Our shared resolve to defend the idea of India, our Constitution, and federalism will continue to guide us. This is the fight for the very soul of our democracy, and we will wage it together until we win," he said.
Responding to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Gandhi reiterated their joint commitment to constitutional rights, social justice and the PDA agenda in Uttar Pradesh.
"Our 'one goal' of protecting the rights of the Constitution, social justice and PDA will continue with full strength, and we will ensure its benefits reach every citizen of Uttar Pradesh," he said.
"PDA" stands for Pichhda (Backward Classes), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (Minorities), which is a social unity and electoral formula coined by the Samajwadi Party.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay also extended birthday wishes to Gandhi, praising his efforts to safeguard democratic values and work for the welfare of people across the country.
In response, Gandhi said, "We remain united in our commitment to the Constitution and to strengthening our democracy, and together, we will keep working for the welfare, dignity and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu."
Thanking JMM leader and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Gandhi stressed continued cooperation for the development of the state and the protection of the rights over water, forests and land.
"We will continue to work together with full zeal for the progress of Jharkhand and the protection of the rights to water, forests and land," he said.
Gandhi also responded warmly to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, referring to him as his "beloved brother" and expressing confidence that they would continue working together for the country's youth.
"We will all continue to work together towards realising the dreams of every youth of the country and taking India forward," he said.
Replying to NCP MP Supriya Sule, Gandhi highlighted the opposition's common struggle to defend democratic values.
"From Maharashtra to Delhi, we stand together in defending democracy — the goal is one, the struggle is one," he wrote.
To Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, Gandhi reiterated the need to safeguard constitutional values and people's rights.
"May we continue to work together to protect our Constitutional values and defend the rights of our people," he said.
He conveyed a similar message to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, saying that the idea of India and Maharashtra's progressive and inclusive spirit would continue to unite their political journey.
Gandhi used the occasion not only to thank political leaders for their wishes but also to underline the importance of opposition unity.
