Saplings planted, fruits/sweets distributed on Rahul's b'day

Amethi/Lucknow, June 19 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Congress workers today celebrated the 36th birthday of Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi by planting trees, distributing fruits to the poor and exchanging sweets.

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.

A report from Amethi said party workers distributed fruits and sweets to patients admitted in Sanjay Gandhi hospital at Munshiganj.

Party workers discussed the policies propogated by the young MP at a meeting held in Sultanpur district Congress Committee office.

In the state capital, 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.

Congress office-bearers at Amethi had planned to announce the list of new block presidents in the presence of Rahul. Security at the Munshiganj-based Sanjay Gandhi hospital was beefed up expecting a sudden tour of Rahul.

However, Rahul preferred to stay with mother and AICC president Sonia Gandhi at Rae Bareli during her two-day tour.

Sonia was in Rae Bareli to thank the electorate for her landslide win in the Lok Sabha bypoll. Rahul was Ms Gandhi's campaign manager.

UNI NAB/XC VS VD PM1821