Lalu celebrates 61st birthday in style

Patna, Jun 11 (UNI) Railway minister Lalu Prasad turned 61 today. In a grand celebration to mark the day in a beffiting manner hundreds of RJD suporters assembled at his official residence here since morning and greeted the railway minister with flower bouquets and other gifts. They also wished him a ''very long, healthy and colourful life''.

Accompanied by his wife and opposition leader in the state Assembly Rabri Devi and other party leaders, a relaxed looking minister also cut a huge 32-pound birthday cake in the shape of ''Garib Rath'' train. The cake was also decorated with 61 candles.

He was also presented with a huge garland of 732 roses signifying the number of projects Mr Prasad had initiated in the Indian Railways so far since he took over the mantle of Railway ministry about a decade ago.

Ms Rabri Devi also presented her husband with a 'giant rose bud' and treated him with his favourtire handmade sweets amid thunderous applause from hundreds of party supporters.

Later in the evening a cultural fest has been organised in the couple's official residence with Bhangra dance and local folk songs adding more colour to a very colourful day long event.

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