Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin has called on citizens across India to light an 'Ashirvaad ka diya' (lamp of blessings) at their homes on 17 September, the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and offer prayers for his long life and good health. The appeal, made through a post on X and a video message, also spotlighted what Nabin described as Modi's 25-year journey in public service and nation-building.

The Birthday Appeal

Nabin urged BJP supporters and citizens to light the symbolic lamp between 6 pm and 7 pm on 17 September. 'To express our best wishes for the country's progressive journey and for PM Modi ji's illustrious leadership, let us light the ‘Ashirvaad ka diya’ in our respective homes between 6 and 7 pm on the auspicious occasion of the Prime Minister's birthday on September 17, and offer our blessings while praying for his long life and good health,' Nabin said.

What Nabin Said About Modi's Leadership

In his post on X, Nabin described 'Public Service for National Service' as the core motto of the Prime Minister's life, calling Modi's quarter-century of public service 'unprecedented.' He added that Modi's 'visionary leadership' had given India a new direction, and that the country was now moving rapidly towards the goal of 'Developed India @ 2047' on the strength of the Prime Minister's collective resolve.

In a separate video message, Nabin reflected on what he characterised as the difficult circumstances Modi inherited when he assumed national leadership, saying the Prime Minister 'introduced new schemes, new plans and a new vision, and gave hope to the nation's youth that challenges can be turned into opportunities.'

Women Empowerment and Lakhpati Didi

Nabin also highlighted the government's initiatives for women, particularly the Lakhpati Didi programme, which he said was helping women become financially self-reliant. 'Through Lakhpati Didi, our nation's women are becoming self-dependent and contributing to the nation's development. We believe PM Modi's leadership will take women forward and strengthen their confidence,' he said.

Naxalism Claim: 'India Is Naxal-Free in 2026'

In a notable claim, Nabin said PM Modi had made the elimination of Naxalism a key resolve of his government and declared it achieved. 'Our country had Naxalism for a long period of time. PM Modi included it in his resolve, and Naxalism has been abolished at the root. In 2026, India is Naxal-free,' Nabin said. The assertion marks a significant political milestone the BJP is keen to associate with Modi's governance record ahead of the birthday occasion.

Context and Significance

The lamp-lighting drive follows a pattern of BJP-organised birthday campaigns for PM Modi in previous years, typically blending public outreach with party mobilisation. This year's edition carries an added political dimension, with Nabin invoking achievements spanning women's financial empowerment, infrastructure, and internal security — themes the BJP has centred in its broader narrative ahead of future electoral cycles. 17 September 2026 will mark Modi's 76th birthday.