NEW DELHI: Congress party members marked the 83rd birthday of their president, Mallikarjun Kharge, with warm wishes and special gestures on Sunday.The celebrations also included a sugar-free cake made by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.Kharge was born in the village of Varavatti in Karnataka’s Bidar district. He turned 83 today. The veteran leader, who became Congress President in 2022, was greeted by colleagues and party workers across the country. Among them was Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who praised Kharge’s leadership and dedication.“Wishing Congress President @kharge ji a very happy birthday! Your leadership, commitment, and dedication to the people of India inspire us all. May you be blessed with good health and happiness,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.Congress leader Surpriya Shrinate also shared a personal moment from the celebrations. Posting on X, she wrote, “Kharge ji avoids sweets. Today is his birthday. So Priyanka ji made a sugar-free cake with dates for him. Taking care of our elders with such small things is true respect and love. These are our values.”PM Modi also extended wishes to the veteran Congress leader. PM took to X saying, “Best wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji on his birthday. Praying for his long and healthy life.”Kharge was an advocate before entering politics. He began his public life as a student leader and General Secretary of the Students’ Union in Gulbarga. He went on to serve nine terms in the Karnataka State Legislative Assembly before being elected to the Lok Sabha in 2009.