Mayawati shelves grand birthday bash

LUCKNOW: Peeved over allegations that her party members collected huge money for her birthday, Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has decided to abandon her traditional bash as she turns 53.

For those who remember the grand gala affair in 2003 and the bureaucrats offering her cake last year, the 53rd birthday tomorrow will be without any pomp and show.

She will only inaugurate a few welfare and developmental schemes on the day. Mayawati had directed party leaders to observe her birthday on January 15 as "Virodhi Party Dhikkar Diwas" and counter all the allegations by holding public meetings.

The opposition parties have also called for their own protests and agitation's on the day. The Samajwadi Party has called for a "Thu Thu Diwas" to highlight the alleged misrule of the Mayawati government.

The BJP and the Congress will hold protest meetings.