Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on the occasion of her 79th birthday, extending prayers for her long life and good health. “Birthday greetings to Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji. May she be blessed with a long life and good health,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
The Congress party marked the day by celebrating her “visionary leadership,” recalling her contributions during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) years from 2004 to 2014. The party credited her stewardship for advancing major rights-based legislations that reshaped India’s social and welfare landscape.
Among the landmark laws highlighted were the MGNREGA, Right to Education, Right to Information, and the National Food Security Act — measures the Congress said provided millions with employment, education, empowerment, and dignity. “Her lifelong commitment to women’s empowerment, social justice, and inclusive growth continues to uplift millions across the country,” the party stated, praising her resilience and dedication.
Sonia Gandhi led the Congress from 1998 to 2017, becoming the longest-serving president in the party’s history. She also returned as interim chief between 2019 and 2022, and in June 2024, she was elected president of the Congress Parliamentary Party.
Her family remains central to the party’s leadership: Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president, currently serves as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha from the Raebareli seat, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is MP from Wayanad and a general secretary of the party.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
