India, June 20 -- Birthday wishes poured in for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he turned 56 on Friday, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge hailing him for consistently championing the cause of the most vulnerable and marginalised through engagement with people and his courage in speaking truth to power.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to Gandhi, wishing him good health and a long life. In a post on social media, Modi said, "Best wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, on his birthday. Praying for his good health and long life." Gandhi later thanked the prime minister for his wishes.

While a celebration was hosted at the Congress' 24, Akbar Road office with top leaders of t...