The BJP patriarch, who has not been attending public functions citing health reasons, spent the first half of the day receiving greetings from his friends, admirers, party leaders and people from all walks of life, at his residence.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was among the first to reach Vajpayee’s 7, Krishnamenon Marg residence to wish him. Expelled BJP leader Madanlal Khuarana turned up as well. President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, who is out of Delhi, sent a bouquet and a letter conveying her wishes to Vajpayee.

The atmosphere was rather festive outside Vajpayee’s house, as hundreds of party workers, carrying bouquets and sweets, from different states poured in to see him. BJP leaders said the party’s victory in Gujarat and the swearing in of Narendra Modi as Chief Minister for the third time was the best birthday gift for Vajpayee.

“Gujarat victory was a birthday gift for him this time, next time we will try to present him with a victory at the Centre,” BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said. Senior leader L K Advani and party chief Rajnath Singh wished him on Monday evening before leaving for Gujarat.