Friends celebrate Shekhawat's birthday

New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) ''I may have opponents, but no one is my enemy,'' says Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who has friends in every political party.

In public life for over five decades, the widely respected Mr Shekhawat says he has always nurtured friends. And he has; at a ceremony held at the India International Centre yesterday on his 84th birthday, his friends poured in to wish him many more years in public life.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil came and there was also Finance Minister P Chidambaram, political opponents may be, but friends no doubt.

Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi too dropped in to wish his friend a 'Happy Birthday'. There were also several former governors and senior journalists.

''Shri Shekhawat is a distinguished administrator and an epitome of virtues, who is known for his pioneering initiatives in addressing formidable issues of national concern,'' said Mr Patil.

On his part, Mr Shekhawat said he has always tried to conduct the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha, of which he is the Chairman, with ''impartiality and dignity''.

The Vice-President was also greeted by his personal staff and employees of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat yesterday. He was presented a publication 'Felicitations Chairman's Sir', containing praises for him by Rajya Sabha members on the completion of four years in office as Chairman of the Upper House.

Several members of Parliament and other dignitaries also met him at his residence yesterday morning and wished him good health and long life in the service of the country.

The Vice President left for his hometown Jaipur in the afternoon to celebrate his birthday and Diwali tomorrow with his family.

UNI FZ AK HT1910