Manmohan Singh turns 87; Modi, Sonia Gandhi, others extend greetings to ex-PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to his predecessor Dr. Manmohan Singh on his 87th birthday.

Best wishes to our former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji on his birthday. I pray for his long and healthy life.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 25, 2019

"Best wishes to our former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji on his birthday. I pray for his long and healthy life," the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter. 

Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday extended her best wishes to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on his 87th birthday.

Recalling his contribution to the cause of nation-building, inclusive growth and economic resurgence, Gandhi said, "Singh's sagacious leadership ensured that India takes a determined leap forward, even during trying times. Present-day rulers across the spectrum have much to learn from his innate wisdom."

Gandhi wished Dr Singh a happy and healthy life and many more years in the service of the nation and the Congress Party.

Taking to Twitter, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi acknowledged Singh's "selfless service, dedication and incredible contribution" in developing the country and prayed for his good health.

"On his birthday, let us acknowledge Dr Manmohan Singh Ji's selfless service, dedication and incredible contribution to the cause of nation-building. My best wishes to him on his birthday. I pray for his good health and happiness in the years to come," the Gandhi scion said. (Photo: PTI)

Janata Dal (United) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in a press statement prayed for Singh's long life and extended warm wishes to him on the occasion.

Former JD(U) president and NDA convener also Sharad Yadav wished the former prime minister on his birthday and tweeted, "Wishing a happy birthday to #ManmohanSingh. Persons like Dr. Manmohan Singh are rarely born. Pray for his good health and long life." (Photo: ANI)

Former Home Minister P Chidambaram also wished him birthday on the micro-blogging site and said, "I have asked my family to tweet on my behalf the following: Happy birthday to Dr Manmohan Singh. May he live for a 100 years and more!"

I have asked my family to tweet on my behalf the following:

Happy birthday to Dr Manmohan Singh. May he live for a 100 years and more!

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 26, 2019

In another tweet, the former union minister urged the Centre to listen to Singh's suggested measures to tackle economic slowdown.

"I urge the Government to listen to the wisdom of Dr Manmohan Singh. If anyone can show the way for the country to come out of the current economic slump, it is Dr Singh." (Photo: PTI)