Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday was marked by various celebratory events across India, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its coalition partner, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), participating in numerous public observances. Following these celebrations, Mr Modi conveyed his appreciation through a message shared on social media, stating that "every word of warmth" he received had deeply touched him and provided him with "renewed strength to continue serving the people of India."

However, the nationwide observances drew sharp criticism from several opposition parties. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) specifically condemned the state's decision to proceed with events such as lamp lighting and blood donation camps. AAP argued that these activities were inappropriate, taking place just days after the "Satya Niketan tragedy," implying a period of recent public mourning and insensitivity to the situation.

Separately, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also voiced his disapproval, criticising a lamp festival associated with the birthday events. Mr Gandhi further asserted his view that the Madhya Pradesh government was "the most corrupt, incompetent" in the country, urging the state administration to "take a look at the ground reality" and address public concerns effectively.

Further controversy emerged from claims made by Saurav Das of the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP). Mr Das alleged that Anganwadi workers in Madhya Pradesh had been "ordered" to participate in celebrations for the Prime Minister's birthday. According to an email reportedly obtained and cited by Das, these workers were instructed to gather rural women, distribute lighted diyas (traditional lamps), and photograph them "celebrating" the occasion. Mr Das characterised this directive as an attempt at "manufacturing gratitude."

Concurrently, the youth wing of the Congress party launched a campaign titled 'Meri Degree Ka Kya' on the Prime Minister's birthday. The campaign issued a one-year ultimatum to the government to fill "50 lakh job vacancies" across the country. The youth wing warned of carrying out a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence if these government job vacancies remained unfilled after the stipulated period of one year.

In response to the mounting criticism from opposition factions regarding the celebrations, BJP chief Nitin Nabin publicly condemned the Opposition for their negative remarks concerning the Prime Minister's birthday observances.