An eight-year-old boy died in a major fire that broke out in the Old Bus Stand area in Arki subdivision of Solan district, while two people suffered burns, police said on Monday. A few people are still feared trapped while a few Nepalese nationals are missing and are being looked for, said police. The deceased boy was identified as Bihar resident Priyansh. An enquiry has been ordered into the fire that sparked around 2.45 am on Sunday, Solan Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 January,2026 08:09 AM IST | Shimla | AgenciesFormer Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has been admitted to the Cardiology Department of All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AAIMS), Delhi, on Monday. According to sources, the former Vice President is in stable condition. Further details are awaited. The former Vice President resigned in July 2025 "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice." "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution," the resignation letter said. "I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency - the Hon'ble President of India for her unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure," it added. Dhankhar's resignation was accepted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, a day after. Earlier, Dhankhar was admitted to AIIMS on March 9 following complaints of uneasiness and chest pain and was discharged on March 12. In a statement, AIIMS had said, "After receiving necessary care by the medical team at AIIMS, he made a satisfactory recovery and was discharged on March 12. He has been advised to take adequate rest for the next few days."
12 January,2026 11:48 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIAir India on Monday marked a major milestone in its transformation journey as its first line-fit, made-for-Air India Boeing 787-9 aircraft landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The arrival of the widebody aircraft at IGIA, Delhi, signifies the airline’s renewed focus on delivering a world-class flying experience to passengers. The Boeing 787-9 aircraft registered as VT-AWA was flown to New Delhi by a cockpit crew of four Air India pilots. As per Air India, the pilots completed the journey in 16 hours and 58 minutes from Boeing's Everett factory in Washington state to New Delhi. This is the first Boeing 787-9 that has been delivered with cabin interiors configured specifically for Air India at the manufacturing stage. Marking a significant achievement in the Indian aviation sector, this particular aircraft has a total seating capacity of 296, spread across three classes: Business, Premium Economy and Economy. While Air India has not yet disclosed detailed specifications of the cabin products, it is said that the interiors were installed directly on Boeing’s production line and will be formally unveiled in the coming weeks. Air India expecting six widebody aircrafts in 2026 Air India, while issuing a release, further stated that, “This is just the beginning of many more milestones to follow during the course of the year. 2026 will see a total of six widebody aircraft deliveries (Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9), including the recently delivered VT-AWA. The new cabins of the Boeing 787-9 will become the new benchmark across our Boeing 787 fleet.” The airline is also in the process of retrofitting its existing widebody fleet. As part of this program, 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft are undergoing phased upgrades, with several expected to re-enter service during the year after completing a full interior refit. Air India also added that by the end of this year, nearly 60 per cent of its widebody fleet is expected to have updated cabin interiors. Boeing 787-9 to be deployed on international routes from February The newly delivered Boeing 787-9 is expected to be deployed on international long-haul routes from February 2026. The airline said details of its commercial operations will be announced separately.
12 January,2026 11:40 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe political atmosphere across Maharashtra’s Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad turned intense and noisy on Sunday as parties pulled out all stops on the final weekend ahead of the civic polls scheduled for Thursday, January 15. With only two days left before the official end of campaigning on Tuesday, January 13, candidates and party leaders intensified their outreach through rallies, roadshows, bike rallies, and door-to-door meetings. The final Sunday before polling emerged as a full-scale “mega campaign day”, with society meetings, corner meetings, and ward-level processions unfolding simultaneously across residential and commercial pockets of the twin cities. Campaign vehicles fitted with loudspeakers, traditional dhol-tasha troupes, and high-decibel music systems were widely used to draw attention. Senior leaders were also active on the ground. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led a roadshow in Bhosari, while Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar released the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP’s) civic poll manifesto for Pimpri-Chinchwad. The manifesto release gained political significance as Pawar shared the stage with his cousin and Member of Parliament (MP) Supriya Sule — a rare public appearance since the NCP split — amid an otherwise aggressive campaign atmosphere. Candidates across party lines sought to capitalise on the weekend, when most residents were available at home. “As citizens are more accessible on Sundays, we began door-to-door campaigning early in the morning, with a break in the afternoon,” said Raju Misal, one of the aspirants for civic polls. Pune residents flag disturbance amid exam stress However, the intensified outreach did not go down well with everyone. Several residents complained that the constant noise from campaign vehicles, repeated doorbell ringing, and pamphlet distribution caused inconvenience, particularly to students preparing for upcoming board examinations. A parent from Pune said the disturbance was excessive. “I don’t know how much these campaign songs actually help candidates win, but they certainly disturbed our children a lot. Exams are just around the corner. Doorbells kept ringing, pamphlets piled up at home, and most of it went unread. It felt like a complete waste,” the parent said. Students and senior citizens, in particular, expressed frustration over loudspeakers and late-evening campaign activity, calling for stricter enforcement of noise regulations during elections. Maharashtra civic polls: Political heat rises as polling nears With the polling day approaching, the political temperature continues to rise. Parties are sharpening their attacks and highlighting promises related to infrastructure, transport, water supply, and civic services, even as voters appear increasingly cautious and critical of last-minute assurances. Despite the festive energy of rallies and roadshows, the mood among voters reflects a growing demand for accountability and tangible governance outcomes rather than rhetoric. As Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad head into the final leg of the civic election battle, the coming days are expected to witness even more intense campaigning — though residents hope it will strike a balance between democratic outreach and civic responsibility. Vintage car rally rolls out to drive voter awareness ahead of Maharashtra civic polls A colourful vintage car rally featuring classic automobiles dating back to 1935 rolled through the streets of Pimpri-Chinchwad on Sunday, drawing crowds and turning heads as part of a large-scale voter awareness campaign ahead of the civic elections scheduled for January 15. Organised by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme. Flagging off the rally, Election Observer Sarita Narke appealed to citizens to exercise their right to vote responsibly, noting that the state government has declared January 15 a public holiday to facilitate maximum voter turnout. “Voting is a vital responsibility of every citizen and plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy,” she said.
12 January,2026 08:41 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV)-C62 rocket, carrying 16 satellites including a foreign earth observation satellite, “encountered an anomaly” on Monday, the space agency said, signalling the failure of the mission. Disturbances were observed in the rocket during the third stage, while the strap-on motors were providing thrust to propel the vehicle to its intended altitude, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said, adding that a detailed analysis has been initiated to identify the cause. The rocket later deviated from its flight path, preventing the satellites from being placed in the intended orbit, news agency PTI reported. According to ISRO sources, all 16 satellites were lost in space. This marks the second consecutive PSLV mission failure during the third stage. A similar mission in May 2025 (PSLV-C61/EOS-09) also failed due to a “motor pressure issue,” which caused a drop in the chamber pressure of the motor case. The 44.4-metre tall, four-stage rocket lifted off as scheduled at 10.18 am from Sriharikota, after a 22.5-hour countdown. The mission aimed to deploy a primary earth observation satellite along with multiple co-passenger satellites into a 512 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit over a flight duration of about 17 minutes. The automatic launch sequence began following approval from the mission director, with ISRO scientists providing real-time updates as the rocket ascended. The initial phases of the flight proceeded according to plan. However, after the third stage ignited, an uneasy calm took over the Mission Control Centre. Addressing the situation, Narayanan said: “The PSLV is a four-stage vehicle with two solid stages and two liquid stages. The performance of the vehicle up to the end of the third stage was expected. Close to the end of the third stage, we observed more disturbance in the vehicle and subsequently, a deviation in the flight path.” ISRO begins detailed investigation Confirming the mission’s failure on X, ISRO stated: “The PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during the end of PS3 (third stage) of the vehicle. A detailed analysis has been initiated.” The PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during end of the PS3 stage. A detailed analysis has been initiated. — ISRO (@isro) January 12, 2026 The space agency did not provide further details. Later, in a brief press conference, Narayanan, who is also Secretary of the Department of Space, said: “As all of you are aware, today we attempted the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission… the mission could not proceed along the expected flight path. That is the information available right now.” He added: “We are going through the data collected from all ground stations. Once the analysis is completed, we shall come back to you.” (With PTI inputs)
12 January,2026 04:56 PM IST | Andhra Pradesh | mid-day online correspondentAs the campaign for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections enters its final phase, political parties have intensified their outreach with a fresh round of promises. However, many voters say they are no longer persuaded by what they describe as repetitive, unrealistic, and election-centric assurances that have failed to translate into action over the years. From long-pending infrastructure issues to a surge in “free service” announcements, voters across the cities are questioning the credibility, intent, and financial feasibility of the pledges being made in the last leg of campaigning. ‘Red Zone’ issue: A repeated promise without resolution One of the most contentious and long-standing concerns resurfacing during the campaign is the ‘Red Zone’ restriction around the Dehu Road ammunition depot and the Dighi magazine depot. The 2000-yard prohibited zone has affected nearly three lakh property owners in several parts of Pimpri-Chinchwad for decades, restricting sale, redevelopment, and utilisation of permissible floor space index (FSI). Despite repeated assurances across elections, residents say the issue remains unresolved. Sayali Chandorkar, a resident of Sector 21 in Nigdi, expressed frustration over what she termed “recycled promises.” “At every election, we are told that the Red Zone issue will finally be resolved. Neither the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) nor the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) alliances have delivered on this. Our properties cannot be sold, and we are unable to use new FSI norms for redevelopment. The Red Zone marking on our properties was imposed nearly four decades ago. If the BJP was in power in the PCMC (Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) for so many years, why was the problem not solved then? Why make the same promise again now?” she asked. The issue had also figured prominently in the 2017 municipal elections, when senior BJP leaders, including then Defence Minister late Manohar Parrikar, had assured a resolution. However, the final Red Zone map has remained mired in bureaucratic delays, with residents alleging that it has been “stuck in red tape” for over a year. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while campaigning in Akurdi for BJP candidates, once again assured citizens that the matter would be addressed—an announcement that has drawn scepticism from voters who say they have heard similar assurances during every Lok Sabha, assembly and municipal election. Free travel, free services — at what cost? Alongside unresolved civic issues, political parties have rolled out a slew of free service promises, particularly related to public transport, housing, and healthcare. Almost every major party has announced some form of free bus or metro travel, triggering a debate on sustainability and financial planning. BJP has promised free Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus travel for citizens above 75 years and free health check-ups for those above 30. The Congress has announced free city bus travel for women and property tax waivers for homes up to 500 square feet. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have promised free bus travel for women and senior citizens, along with free medicines for select ration card holders. NCP leader Ajit Pawar has gone a step ahead, promising free metro and PMPML travel, as well as free tablets for students. While these promises may sound appealing, voters and civic experts are raising questions about implementation and funding. Residents point out that the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations’ annual budgets stand at around Rs 12,000 crore, nearly 50–60 per cent of which is spent on salaries and routine maintenance. With limited funds left for capital development, voters are questioning how additional free schemes will be financed without affecting essential civic services. Samir Kale, a resident of Bavadhan, said, “Ask anyone—who will bear the cost of these free services? Will it come at the expense of road repairs, waste management, pollution control or water supply? Voters are not fools that netas can announce anything and people will believe it.” Voters also pointed out that none of the parties has clearly explained how these schemes will be funded or whether budgetary provisions have been planned, reinforcing the perception that the promises are aimed more at electoral gains than long-term governance. Many residents argue that instead of focusing on freebies, political parties should prioritise basic civic issues that directly impact daily life—cratered roads, traffic congestion, encroachments on footpaths, rising air pollution, and mounting garbage dumps. While campaign focus has largely remained on core city areas, residents of newly developed suburbs say they continue to be deprived of basic amenities. High-rise buildings have come up rapidly in areas such as Kiwale, Ravet and Mamurdi, but civic infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Santosh Tiwari, a resident of Mamurdi, told mid-day.com, “Mamurdi–Kiwale has seen rapid development with high-rise housing, new residential communities and an international cricket stadium. However, basic civic amenities have not kept pace. Given its location along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, preserving a green belt is essential to reduce noise and air pollution. “The area lacks parks for senior citizens and playgrounds for children and youth, while safe walking and jogging tracks are urgently needed. Non-functional street lights, unsafe pedestrian roads, frequent waterlogging during monsoon and a rising stray dog population raise serious safety concerns, especially for round-the-clock commuters. “Water distribution needs urgent revision to match the growing population. The MCA Stadium should be equipped for multiple sports, with proper crowd and traffic management during major matches. Establishing a police chowky is also essential to strengthen law and order. Addressing these issues will significantly improve the quality of life and help Mamurdi–Kiwale emerge as a model urban neighbourhood.”
12 January,2026 03:43 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalOn his first visit to India, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said Mahatma Gandhi's legacy unites Indians and Germans as friends and his teachings are more needed today than ever. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Merz visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad in the morning and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi. PM Modi, who reached the ashram a few minutes earlier, welcomed the German Chancellor upon his arrival. After paying floral tributes at the statue of the Father of the Nation, both leaders visited 'Hriday Kunj', a room inside the ashram where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba lived during India's freedom struggle. At the ashram, Merz also witnessed how khadi yarn is woven using the 'charkha', or spinning wheel. Mahatma Gandhi spun yarn on the charkha as part of his campaign to promote khadi and self-reliance during India's struggle for independence. In a note in the ashram visitors' book, Merz stated, "Mahatma Gandhi's unshakeable belief in the power of freedom and dignity of each and every individual inspires us to this day. This legacy unites Indians and Germans as friends in a world that may more than ever be in need of Gandhi's teachings." Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. It was home to Gandhi from 1917 until 1930 and served as one of the main centres of India's freedom struggle. After paying tributes at the historic ashram, both leaders reached Sabarmati Riverfront, where PM Modi inaugurated the International Kite Festival-2026 and later enjoyed kite flying with Chancellor Merz. At the venue, Modi and Merz interacted with women artisans and understood the process of making kites. After the inauguration, both the leaders took a ride on the ground in an open vehicle and also tried their hands at flying kites. As many as 135 kite flyers from 50 countries and nearly 1,000 enthusiasts from India are participating in the International Kite Festival-2026 in Ahmedabad, according to a Gujarat government release. As part of the festival organised by the state government, the kite flyers have already visited places like Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira (in Kutch) and Statue of Unity (Narmada) during the last two days and enthralled the visitors, it said, adding that the festival in Ahmedabad will continue till January 14. The festival is held annually ahead of 'Uttarayan', also known as Makar Sankranti, which falls on January 14 and marks the sun's northward journey and the transition towards summer. Last year, the festival attracted more than 3.83 lakh visitors across Gujarat. Through the 'International Kite Festival', Gujarat Tourism is attracting visitors to leading cultural and tourist destinations, such as Dholavira and the Statue of Unity. More than five lakh tourists are expected to visit Gujarat to witness the International Kite Festival this year, the release added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 January,2026 02:59 PM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that the growing cooperation between India and Germany in the defence and security sectors is a "testament to mutual trust and shared vision" and thanked German Chancellor Merz for simplifying the defence trade. He mentioned that India and Germany share common priorities in the renewable energy sector. He also announced that the two nations will establish the India-Germany Centre of Excellence to further enhance cooperation. During the joint press meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz following their talks on Monday, PM Modi noted that India and Germany are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2026 and stressed that growing trade and investment ties have given new energy to the strategic partnership. "Chancellor Merz's visit is taking place at a special time. Last year, we completed 25 years of our strategic partnership, and this year, we are also celebrating 75 years of our diplomatic relations. These milestones are not merely achievements of time. They are symbols of our shared ambitions, mutual trust, and ever-strengthening cooperation," he said. "Close cooperation between economies like those of India and Germany is crucial for all of humanity. Growing trade and investment ties have given new energy to our strategic partnership. Our bilateral trade has reached its highest level ever, with bilateral trade now exceeding USD 50 billion," he added. The Prime Minister mentioned that more than 2,000 German companies have a long-standing presence in India, which he said, "reflects their confidence in India and the immense opportunities available here". He cited the India-Germany CEO Forum as an example, where both leaders interacted with business leaders earlier in the day. "Technology cooperation between India and Germany has strengthened year after year, and its impact is clearly visible on the ground today. India and Germany share common priorities in the field of renewable energy," he added. "To further enhance this cooperation, we have decided to establish the India-Germany Centre of Excellence. This will serve as a shared platform for knowledge, technology, and innovation," he added. Extending a warm welcome to the German Chancellor in India, PM Modi said, "As a Chancellor, this is Friedrich Merz's first visit to India, and indeed to Asia. This is strong evidence of the deep importance he attaches to relations with India. I thank him for his personal attention and commitment. India is fully committed to further strengthening its friendship and partnership with Germany...We extend a heartfelt welcome to Chancellor Merz in India." PM Modi announced that India and Germany will work on a roadmap to enhance cooperation between defence industries. He expressed gratitude to Chancellor Merz for the announcement of visa-free transit for Indian citizens, stressing that the decision will further strengthen ties between the people of the two nations. "Our growing cooperation in defence and security is a testament to our mutual trust and shared vision. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Chancellor Merz for simplifying the procedures related to defence trade. We will also work on a roadmap to enhance cooperation between defence industries, which will open up new opportunities for co-development and co-production," he added. Highlighting the historic and profound people-to-people ties, PM Modi said, "India and Germany share historic and profound people-to-people ties. The works of Rabindranath Tagore offered fresh perspectives to the German intellectual community, while Swami Vivekananda's philosophy inspired all of Europe, including Germany." "Additionally, Madame Cama brought global recognition to India's aspiration for freedom by hoisting the flag of India's independence for the first time in Germany. Today, we are building on this rich legacy and transforming our historic connections into a vibrant, modern partnership," the Prime Minister added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 January,2026 02:59 PM IST | Gandhinagar | IANSAn Air India flight from the national capital to Vijayawada was diverted to Jaipur due to a medical emergency on Monday morning, according to a source. The source said an elderly passenger became unwell onboard the flight AI2517 following which the flight was diverted to Jaipur where the passenger was deboarded and taken to hospital. Details about the number of passengers in the flight could not be ascertained. There was no official comment from Air India. Information available with flight tracking website Flightradar24.com showed that the flight was operated with an A320 aircraft. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 January,2026 02:12 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIBharatiya Janata Party leader in Tamil Nadu, K Annamalai on Monday hit back at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's attempts to allegedly "abuse" him while adding that those who criticised his previous remarks on Mumbai were "just ignorant". "Who are Aditya Thackeray and Raj Thackeray to threaten me? I am proud to be a farmer's son. They have organised meetings just to abuse me. I don't know whether I have become that important," Annamalai said at a press conference in Chennai. Earlier, in a joint UBT-MNS rally in Mumbai, Raj Thackeray had taken a sharp jibe at the BJP leader whom he mockingly referred to as 'rasmalai' and asked whether Annamalai has any standing to speak on Mumbai's issue, after the latter allegedly suggested that Mumbai is an "international city." Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Responding to MNS Chief Raj Thackeray's remarks against him, BJP leader K Annamalai says, "Who are Aaditya Thackeray and Raj Thackeray to threaten me? I am proud to be a farmer’s son. They have organised meetings just to abuse me. I don’t know whether I have… pic.twitter.com/O6QFK9ebxw — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026 "One rasmalai came from Tamil Nadu...what is your connection to here? Hatao lungi bajao pungi," Raj Thackeray had said, referencing the slogan from the 1960s and 70s of the Shiv Sena that was founded by Raj Thackeray's uncle, Balasaheb Thackeray. The statement by the MNS chief came after Annamalai had said that "Bombay is not a Maharashtra city, but an international city," while campaigning in Dharavi and Sion Koliwada areas for the party. "Mumbai needs a triple-engine government. We need a BJP mayor in Mumbai, with (Maharashtra) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre. Mumbai is a global metropolis which has a budget of over Rs 40,000 crore. Bengaluru's budget is Rs 19,000 crore, while Chennai's is Rs 8,000 crore. You need good people who sit in the administration to manage the finance," Annamalai had said. Annamalai also alleged that he has received multiple threats, with some people threatening to cut off his legs too. "Some have written that they will cut my legs if I come to Mumbai. I will come to Mumbai--try cutting my legs. If I were afraid of such threats, I would have stayed in my village," he said. He added, "If I say Kamaraj is one of India's greatest leaders, does it mean he is no longer a Tamil? If I say Mumbai is a world-class city, does it mean Maharashtrians didn't build it? These people are just ignorant." In the same UBT-MNS rally, Raj Thackeray made a strong pitch for Marathi unity, warning that the state's language, land and identity are under threat. He termed the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls as a "decisive" election for the Marathi community, urging voters to unite for Maharashtra and remain vigilant on polling day to prevent any malpractice. The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 January,2026 02:10 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondentBirthday wishes poured in for Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as she turned 54 on Monday, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge saying her fighting for the people's rights continues to inspire every party worker. Several Congress leaders hailed the Wayanad MP for taking up people's issues as they wished her on her birthday. "Warm birthday wishes to AICC General Secretary and MP, @priyankagandhi ji. I wish her good health, happiness and a bright future ahead," Kharge said in a post on X. Warm birthday wishes to AICC General Secretary and MP, @priyankagandhi ji. I wish her good health, happiness and a bright future ahead. Her compassion and courage, steadfast commitment to the Constitution, and strong voice, both inside and outside the Parliament, fighting for… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 12, 2026 "Her compassion and courage, steadfast commitment to the Constitution, and strong voice, both inside and outside the Parliament, fighting for people's rights continue to inspire and energise every Congress worker," he said. Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said, "Wishing the dynamic and charismatic leader, AICC GS & Wayanad MP Smt. @priyankagandhi ji a very happy birthday! Your infectious energy and dedication to people's issues is a motivation for us all, may you go from strength to strength in the years to come!" The party's media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, likened her to a lioness. "To a daughter forged in courage, a sister who stands firm in adversity, a mother with fierce love, a colleague who guides with humility and grace, a leader anchored in unshakeable resolve...To the quintessential 'Sherni' of the Congress party...Happy Birthday @priyankagandhi ji," he said on X. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar lauded Priyanka Gandhi for her fearlessness in speaking for the people. Warm birthday greetings to MP and AICC General Secretary Smt. @priyankagandhi avaru. May you be blessed with good health and strength as you continue to speak fearlessly in Parliament. May you keep inspiring millions and carry forward the proud legacy of the Congress Party with… pic.twitter.com/UsagTYLft3 — DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) January 12, 2026 "May you be blessed with good health and strength as you continue to speak fearlessly in Parliament. May you keep inspiring millions and carry forward the proud legacy of the Congress Party with conviction and courage," the party leader said on X. Congress whip in Lok Sabha, Manickam Tagore, said her courage, compassion, and commitment to democratic values continue to inspire millions. "Along with our leader Thiru #RahulGandhi ji, you give strength and hope to the idea of India. Wishing you and your family good health, happiness, and strength in the service of the people," Tagore wrote on X. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also greeted Priyanka Gandhi on her birthday. "She's a fighter. She's feisty. She's fierce. She's fabulous. She's fun. Happy birthday to the one and only @priyankagandhi ji. Wish you laughter, love and light on your birthday and beyond!" she said. The Congress, from its official X handle, wished the party leader good health. "Your empathy, simplicity and unwavering dedication to the people make you truly special. May this year bring you joy, good health, and renewed strength as you continue your tireless quest to empower the people of India and build a brighter future for all," it said. DMK MP K Kanhimozhi extended birthday wishes to Priyanka Gandhi. "Warm birthday wishes to the dynamic leader of the INC, Thirumigu. @priyankagandhi. Her commitment to stand against fascist forces, especially during these challenging times for democracy and the Constitution, are truly commendable. Wishing her good health, happiness, and continued success in public life," the DMK leader said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 January,2026 01:29 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
