Narendra Modi celebrates 64th birthday; Advani, PM wish him

AHMEDABAD: BJP leader L K Advani, who has been upset over Narendra Modi's elevation as the party's Prime Ministerial candidate, today wished the Gujarat Chief Minister on his 64th birthday.

Advani joined a host of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in greeting Modi on his special day.

The BJP patriarch made a telephone call to wish Modi, sources said.

Advani has been upset and sulking ever since Modi was named as BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate on September 13.

The two came face-to-face at the birthday party of Rajya Sabha MP and noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani last Sunday but cold vibes between them were clearly visible there.

Advani had been opposing Modi's projection, arguing that it would weaken the party's campaign against the government over issues like corruption and price rise.

However, his objections were overruled by the BJP, prompting him to attack the party chief Rajnath Singh over the way he was functioning.

Sources in Modi's office said that he also received good wishes from the Prime Minister as also noted singer Lata Mangeshkar, among others.

"Everyone has blessed me, and given love to me. I believe that people's blessings never go waste. That will give me strength, understanding and capability," Modi told reporters.

He also sought blessings from his 94-year-old mother Hira Ba by driving down to the house of his younger brother Pankaj Modi in Gandhinagar early this morning.

The mother gifted him a book and some money. "I came for my mother's blessings, there is no bigger privilege than that," Modi said.

Modi also went to the house of his bete noire and former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel to seek his blessings. Patel, who parted ways with BJP and formed his own party, greeted Modi.