Sonia Gandhi not to celebrate her 73rd birthday

New Delhi:Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday decided not to celebrate her birthday this year, in view of the increasing crimes against women across the country.According to Congress sources, Ms Gandhi's birthday is on December 9. She will turn 73, this year. 

Sonia Gandhi turns 73; PM Modi, leaders wish on her birthday

Leaders from various political parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended birthday greetings to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, who turned 73, today.Taking to twitter, the Prime Minister said, "birthday wishes to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi Ji. Praying for her long life and good health". 

According to party sources, however, Ms Gandhi is not celebrating her birthday in the wake of atrocities against women, rape incidents in various part the country and concerns over women's safety.

"The longest serving Congress President, Sonia Gandhi's exemplary strength of character has inspired generations of Congress leaders", the Congress party said in a tweet. "Her strength, dignity, compassion and grace has united us and made us strong. We wish her a very happy birthday", the party added.

Congress general secretary in-charge of organisation, KC Venugopal said Ms Gandhi's dignified presence, grace and dedication continue to inspire the party workers. "It is a great gesture from her not to celebrate her birthday in wake of rising crime against women", he added. 

AICC communication in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, "A sprit of sacrifice, service before self, innate faith in human goodness and a character made of steel is what sets Sonia Gandhi apart. Warm birthday wishes to Congress President, Sonia Gandhi".

Congress's Karnataka leader and former Minister DK Shivakumar said, "wishing a very happy birthday to our beloved leader and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. May God bless her with good health and a long life and may she continue to inspire us with her leadership and wisdom".

Extending birthday wishes, Loktantric Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav said, "you and the Congress party along with other like minded parties have to play a pivotal role in putting the country on the right direction by saving  the Constitution of India and making every citizen happy".

DMK leader MK Stalin said under Ms Gandhi's leadership, the Congress party has made important and telling contributions to protecting the secular and federal fabric of the country. 

"I wish her many more years of public service", he added. NCP leader and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule greeted, "wishing Hon. Sonia Gandhi Ji -  Happy Birthday! Have a Healthy and Happy Year Ahead".

Priyanka Chaturvedi, deputy leader of Shiv Sena and a former Congress spokesperson greeted, "birthday wishes to Sonia Gandhi. Wishing her a year full of good health, success and happiness".

Besides these leaders, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, senior Congress leaders Jytiraditya Scindia, Kumari Selja, Milind Deora, Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev, Youth Congress president Srinivas B.V were among those who wished Ms Gandhi.(UNI)