Congress celebrates Rahul Gandhi's 43rd birthday, hopes to see him PM

Congress Party workers from different parts of the country came together here on Wednesday to celebrate the 43rd birthday of Rahul Gandhi, and wished that he becomes the Prime Minister.

"Today is Rahul Gandhi's birthday. All the Congress workers have come from different parts of India to celebrate his birthday. And we are very happy that on the occasion of Gandhi's birthday, Prime Minister has given him a present," said a Congress party worker.

"It's time Rahul Gandhi should rule the country. This is what the Prime Minister feels that Rahul Gandhi should come forward and take the reins in his hand," he added.

The Congress Party workers said Rahul is a shining star and a blessing for the poor of India.

"Rahul Gandhi is the future, he is the rising sun and is like an angel for the poor people. That is why we know that in the future he will come out in support of poor people," said Ramesh Datta, the chief organizer of Nehru Brigade.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also joined the party workers to participate in the celebrations. A large cake was cut and offered to a poster of Rahul Gandhi.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, earlier on Monday lauded Rahul Gandhi, and indicated readiness to make way for him if the UPA wins the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

"I have always said, as far as I am concerned, I would be very happy to see Rahul step into my shoes. I always believe we will have a third go at the elections as the UPA and people will again repose their faith in us," Dr. Singh said.

Dr. Singh described Rahul Gandhi as a 'natural leader' and said he would be very happy to see the young leader 'step into his shoes'.

"Rahul Gandhi is a natural leader of the Congress. I hope he will be lead the UPA. I always said that Rahul is fit enough and has the right qualities of a leader," he told the media after eight new faces were inducted into his Council of Ministers at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.