Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday, 17 September conveyed birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his leadership as transformative and asserting that India had scaled new heights of development under his stewardship. Thakur delivered the message on behalf of the people of Himachal Pradesh, wishing the Prime Minister good health, a long life, and continued success in national service.

Thakur's Message to PM Modi

'Under your strong, visionary, and decisive leadership, India is touching new heights of development and progress. The country's pride has grown, and India is establishing a new identity as a strong nation on the world stage,' Thakur said in his message.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader also acknowledged the role of the BJP-led Central government in directing several significant development projects toward the hill state. He pointed specifically to road and transport expansion, healthcare strengthening, tourism promotion, and the rollout of major infrastructure schemes in Himachal Pradesh, maintaining that the Centre had consistently prioritised the state's development.

State BJP Plans Extensive Birthday Outreach

Separately, Himachal Pradesh BJP President Rajeev Bindal announced a series of service and public outreach programmes in the Nahan Assembly constituency to mark PM Modi's birthday and the completion of 25 years of his public service. Bindal said party workers would visit as many households as possible and interact with residents, with an 'Aashirwad ka Diya' (lamp of blessings) to be lit in every home on the evening of 17 September.

Earlier in the day, a havan was organised at the Mata Kali Temple in Nahan town with participation from local BJP workers, held in a spirit of service and prayers for national well-being.

Community Events Lined Up in Nahan

A blood donation camp was scheduled for later in the day, with BJP workers and members of the public contributing blood for patients in need. Community lamp-lighting programmes were planned at prominent locations in Nahan, including the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sirmaur. The BJP Mahila Morcha also planned to hold an 'Aangan Seva Utsav' (courtyard service festival) alongside other outreach activities.

Context and Significance

The tributes and programmes come as Himachal Pradesh remains a politically contested state — currently governed by the Congress while the BJP holds the Leader of Opposition seat. Thakur's birthday message and the accompanying party programmes reflect the BJP's effort to consolidate public contact and project Central government contributions even in a state where it is not in power. Notably, the celebration of 25 years of Modi's public service adds a milestone framing to what would otherwise be a routine birthday event.