New Delhi, Sep 17 (UNI) Birthday wishes are normal. But a Congress veteran and former President Pranab Mukherjee’s birthday greetings for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday raised many raise eyebrows as he wished Mr Modi a healthy and happy life and exhorted him to "continue to serve the nation for many more years to come".
This is perhaps first high profile controversy or a buzz triggered by the former President after he had attended the RSS meet in Nagpur recently.
“I extend my warm wishes to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on his Birthday. May you be blessed with a long, healthy & happy life and continue to serve the nation for many more years to come,” Mr Mukherjee tweeted.
Such remarks are significant as Mr Mukherjee is known for his measured use of words. Earlier, many Congress leaders were unhappy over the former President's visit to the RSS headquarter in Nagpur.
Among others, Congress President Rahul Gandhi was among the first few opposition leaders to wish Mr Modi a happy birthday on Monday morning.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi's first tweet of the day was, "Happy Birthday to our PM, Narendra Modi ji. Wishing him good health and happiness always".
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh also took to micro blogging site to wish good luck to the Prime Minister.
A BJP leader sought to make light of former President Mr Mukherjee's birthday wishes to Mr Modi and said there was nothing unusual about it. "Both share good rapport," another leader said.
Lately, there was media report suggesting that Pranab Mukherjee Foundation may collaborate with the RSS in Haryana.
But Mr Mukherjee's office had denied the reports. “There have been reports in certain sections of the Media suggesting that the Pranab “Mukherjee Foundation (PMF) may collaborate with RSS in Haryana”. It is categorically clarified that there is neither any existing collaboration, nor is there any such move in the offing," a statement has said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister on Monday received birthday messages from several film stars and sports personalities including Malayali film star Mohanlal.
"Happy Birthday to our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. Prayers for your good health and lots of energy for your relentless work," tweeted Mohanlal, who is said to be moving closer to BJP.
Among film stars, Rishi Kapoor tweeted, "Many Happy Returns of the day Narendra bhai Modi. God Bless!"
Mr Modi also responded quickly writing - "Rishi Kapoor Ji, thank you for the greetings" in the micro blogging site.
Mega star Amitabh Bachchan also extended his good wishes to the Prime Minister.
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh wrote, "Many happy returns of the day to PM Narendra Modi ji. Best wishes for your good health and long life".
In his missive, actor Akshay Kumar wrote, "Wishing the man with a vision, our Honorable Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modiji a very happy birthday. Today I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for supporting causes that are close to my heart. Thank you and wishing you a great year ahead".
Indian sprint runner Hima Das also extended her good wishes to the Prime Minister.
Cricket stars VVS Laxman, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh and boxer Vijender Singh among others greeted Mr Modi, who was born on September 17, 1950.
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