Pinarayi Vijayan turns 78, leaders extend greetings

Thiruvananthapuram: Leaders cutting across political lines greeted chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday on his turning 78.
However, there were no formal birthday celebrations in the state to mark the day, even as Vijayan continued with his official work as usual, sources close to him said.
Vijayan has been serving as CM since May 25, 2016.
People from various walks of life, including political figures, took to social media to extend their birthday greetings to the CM.
Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, in a tweet, wished Vijayan good health and long life. “Birthday greetings to the Chief Minister of Kerala Shri @pinarayivijayan ji. May you be blessed with good health and long life,” he tweeted.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin tweeted in Malayalam. Stalin called Vijayan “dear comrade” and wished him a long life and health. He also said Vijayan is the leader who scripts the success story of Kerala through his comprehensive efforts.
Superstar Mammootty shared a photo of him with the CM on his Facebook page and wished him a happy birthday.
Veteran actor and MNM party president Kamal Haasan also took to the microblogging site to wish CM Vijayan. “Happiest Birthday greetings to my friend and comrade @pinarayi vijayan. I join my Keralite brothers and sisters in wishing you success as you lead Kerala to further glories,” he said.
State PWD minister and Vijayan’s son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas also took to social media to extend greetings on the day. In his FB post, Riyas described Vijayan as “comrade” and posted a photo of the CM. agencies