All major functionaries of the Bahujan Samaj Party are expected to attend the function, but government officials have been told to keep away from the event. Sharat Pradhan reports from Lucknow.
Restrictions clamped by the Election Commission notwithstanding, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has decided to go ahead with the usual big bask on her birthday on Sunday, as she turns 56.
The celebrations would, however, remain confined within the four walls of the state headquarters of the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party in the heart of the state capital.
A giant sized 56 kg cake has been ordered from the swankiest confectionery in town, while a huge spread will be laid out for lunch to be catered by a fivestar hotel.
Unlike in the past, when the bash was hosted by the government, this time it is going to be a party affair. "Well, behenji's birthday celebration is being hosted by the party and certainly it is not a violation of the election model code of conduct," claimed state BSP president Swami Prasad Maurya.
According to him, Mayawati would also release the seventh volume of her autobiography with the latest account of her achievements.
While Maurya feigned ignorance, sources in the BSP indicated that Mayawati was also likely to release her election manifesto on the occasion.
Maurya however claimed, "It was unlikely since the birthday function would not be mixed with the election otherwise the Election Commission might link it to poll expenses."
All major party functionaries were expected to attend the function, but government officials have been told to keep away from the event.
It may be mentioned that Mayawati's birthday celebrations were usually associated with fund collection drives. Three years ago, an executive engineer of the state public works department was lynched by a BSP MLA in Auraiya district because he refused to shell out money demanded by the MLA for Mayawati's birthday. The MLA was eventually jailed.
