Rahul observes b'day simply, party workers revel in UP, Bihar

New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who turned 37 today, observed his birthday in a low-key manner here, disappointing his supporters in his constituency who were eagerly awaiting a visit.

Going by the tradition, Mr Gandhi did not celebrate the occasion, but observed it as a close-knit, low-key family affair. Senior Congress leaders sent bouquets to his official residence at Tughlak Road as well as to 10, Janpath.

Though Youth Congress and other organisations held several functions but Mr Gandhi did not make any appearance at them.

In UP, Congress workers celebrated his birthday by planting trees, distributing fruits to the poor and exchanging sweets.

However, in Amethi, the people were however disappointed as the MP did not visit the constituency ahead of his birthday and remained ''confined'' to Rae Bareli for two days.

Party workers distributed fruits and sweets to patients admitted in Sanjay Gandhi hospital at Munshiganj. A meeting held in Sultanpur District Congress Committee office where party workers discussed the policies propogated by the young MP.

Congress office-bearers at Amethi had planned to announce the list of new block presidents in the presence of Rahul. Security at the Sanjay Gandhi hospital was beefed up expecting a sudden tour by him. However, he preferred to stay with mother and AICC president Sonia Gandhi at Rae Bareli during her two-day tour.

In Lucknow, the media cell planted saplings at the UP Congress headquaters ''on the directions'' of UPCC president Salman Khurshid. Besides distributing sweets at the UPCC, party workers also distributed fruits at Tudiaganj hospital here.

Later tonight, party workers have planned a cultural programme at Haiderganj crossing, where they also propose to cut a 'giant cake' in his honour.

In Bihar, party leaders and workers celebrated Rahul's birthday, expressing hope that he would be able to steer the party to a new ''high''.

The main function was organised at Sadaqat Ashram, the state headquarters of the party, where a large number of senior Congress leaders and party workers celebrated the birthday of their young leader. In his message on the occasion, party's state president Sadanand Singh exuded confidence that like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, Mr Rahul Gandhi would be able to make the party strong.

Members of Rahul Gandhi Brigade celebrated Mr Gandhi's birthday by cutting a cake weighing 36 pounds.

Reports of similar celebrations have been received from the others parts of state. Diffrent wings of the party including youth Congress, NSUI, Seva Dal, Women's Congress and other organisations associated with the party also celebrated Rahul's birthday.

UNI TEAM VD AT DB1949