SP celebrates Mulayam's b'day in style in his absence

Lucknow, Nov 22: The ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh today celebrated the 68th birthday of party president and Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav by organising a variety of programmes.

The CM, himself, remained inconspicuous by his absence at the celebrations.

Besides holding community feasts for poor children and the elderly, the youth wing of the party cut a 68 kg 'laddoo' to mark the occasion.

Several leaders and bureaucrats had lined up at his official residence here since morning. When Mr Yadav reached the legislative assembly to attend the ongoing winter session, he was greeted by officials and fellow MLAs.

For the record, the SP is observing the day as 'Vikas Diwas' across UP. Party leaders have been asked to organise community feasts for the poor. ''They have been asked to avoid pomp and show,'' a SP leader said here.

UNI