Congress greets Dalai Lama on 85th birthday

The Congress party on Monday wished the Dalai Lama on his 85th birthday. The party also took a veiled jab at the Prime Minister for not wishing the Dalai Lama on his birthday saying that he may have had "compulsions for not doing so".

New Delhi: The Congress on Monday greeted the Dalai Lama on his 85th birthday and took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he may have had "compulsions for not doing so".

"We waited for Hon'ble @PMOIndia to lead the nation in wishing HE the Dalai Lama a very Happy Birthday. Modi ji may have had his compulsions for not doing so. On behalf of the entire Nation, we wish HE @DalaiLama a long and healthy life. We are privileged for your blessings," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju earlier in the day conveyed his greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader and said his values and ideals are the guiding light towards love and peace for entire humanity.

Rijiju is the only minister in the Narendra Modi government to have wished the Dalai Lama publicly on his birthday.

The Union sports minister's birthday greetings came amidst India's ongoing border standoff with China.

PTI