Youth Congress workers celebrate Rahul Gandhi's birthday by pouring milk over his photograph in the Ganga River; BJP questions portrayal

Congress workers marked the 56th birthday of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi with a unique celebration on Friday. Members of the Youth Congress portrayed him as 'Lord Parashuram', performed a milk abhishek on his photograph in the Ganga, cut a laddoo cake, and displayed his image holding a copy of the Constitution.

The celebration, held on the banks of the Ganga, drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which questioned the appropriateness of depicting a political leader in the form of a deity.

Speaking to IANS, Youth Congress leader Vikas Singh said, "Under the banner of the Youth Congress, we gathered today in the lap of Mother Ganga, where Brahmins chanted Vedic mantras and bestowed their blessings. We prayed for Rahul Gandhi's long life and wished that he continues to raise the voice of common people."

Reacting to the event, Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar criticised the Congress and its workers.

"They are fake people. Neither their religion nor their caste is clear. Has anything ever been made clear? We do not question anyone's parents, but Congress workers should have some sense," he told IANS.

Rajbhar further alleged that the Congress adopts religious symbolism only during elections.

"When elections come, they visit temples, apply 'tika' and wear 'janeu'. Later, they raise questions about the existence of God. This is their mentality. The country is far removed from such politics," he said.

Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma also objected to the manner in which the celebrations were conducted.

"Offering milk is understandable, but installing someone in the form of a god is not appropriate. How can any god be compared to a human being? Politicians should avoid such acts and programmes," he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to Rahul Gandhi, wishing him good health and a long life.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "Best wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji on his birthday. Praying for his good health and long life."

Rahul Gandhi later thanked the Prime Minister for the wishes, posting on X: "Thank you for your wishes, Prime Minister @narendramodi ji."

Several Union Ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, also extended birthday greetings.

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP from Rae Bareli and former Congress president, turned 56 on Friday. Born on June 19, 1970, he is the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Marking the occasion, the Indian Youth Congress organised a large-scale job fair at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, aimed at helping young job seekers connect directly with employers and secure employment.

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. Over the years, he has focused on issues related to rural development, education, social welfare, youth participation and women's empowerment.