Top national leaders to visit state next week

Mumbai, Jan 31 (UNI) A host of top leaders, including President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, will be descending in Maharashtra next week.

The Vice President will arrive here on February 4 to attend a two-day All India Whip's Conference (AIWC) beginning the same day. This would be Mr Ansari's first visit to the city after becoming Vice-President.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee is among the VVIPs who will reach here on February 4 to participate in the 14th AIWC.

Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi will arrive on February 3 to inaugurate Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) the same day. He will also attend the AIWC. Mr Dasmunsi will attend the Doordarshan Annual Awards on February 4.

Dr Manmohan Singh will come to Maharashtra for a day's visit on February 8 to attend Dhanji Gadgil Function in Ahmednagar the same day.

President Pratibha Patil will be coming to her home state on a two-day visit from February 8. She will a attend few functions to be held at Jalgaon.

UNI CP GR AM HS1817