Modi gets greeting from unexpected quarters on 62nd birthday

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who has been Modi's target of late, also sent him his wishes

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was overwhelmed with greeting and adulation, he received, even from unexpected quarters, on his 62nd birthday on Monday.

"Overwhelmed with your wonderful wishes I have been receiving continuously. Thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart," Modi said on his Twitter page.

The very vocal BJP leader also received greeting from some unexpected quarters like from the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who has been target of Modi's criticism in almost all his public address. The latest attack on Singh by Modi was on the issue of foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail. Quoting the PM’s reported statement that he would rather “go down fighting” to push the economic reforms, Modi had said: “Dr Manmohan Singh has overnight turned Singham.”

Modi also received good wishes from leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, who was recently termed by Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray as the only candidate from the BJP 'deserving' and 'capable' for post of Prime Minister of India. Thackeray's support for Swaraj was seen as a setback for Modi who has been projected as PM candidate by many top leaders in the BJP.

Acknowledging the greetings Modi wrote on Twitter, "Extremely thankful to Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, Advani ji, Sushma ji & Rajnath Singh ji for their kind wishes."

Modi also thanked many youngsters and well-wishers have planned to do service as well as other forms of social work today.

For Modi his 62nd birthday was very different from earlier years as tomorrow, he would be completing 4000 days as chief minister of Gujarat. "September 17, this year will be different in the way that on the very next day on September 18, I will be completing a journey of 4000 days in service of the people of Gujarat as the Chief Minister. Never since the inception of Gujarat, has the state seen political stability for such a long span of time," Modi wrote on his official blog.

"If one desires to see how a progressive government with political stability and an atmosphere of vibrancy can deliver some fantastic results in the span of a decade, you can take Gujarat as a living example," he added.

Modi also bowed to the spirit of the people of Gujarat who have supported him over decade-long rule and also saluted the state government functionaries for their work and support.

He also lamented the fact that in these 4,000 days at the helm of power, he was target of several lies, exaggerations and half-truths from some sections with vested interests. "I have always believed- more the stones that are hurled at me, the longer the flight of stairs I plan to build towards the progress of Gujarat and its people," Modi said reassuring faith in the people of Gujarat.

The chief minister further shared some letters of appreciation he received from dignitaries like Justice VR Krishna Iyer and former Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) N Vittal.