Mulayam Singh Yadav's birthday bash draws criticism from Opposition, Samajwadi Party unfazed

LUCKNOW: Grand celebrations of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav’s 76th birthday in his native village this weekend drew sharp criticism from the opposition parties. The celebrations were kicked off from the SP leader’s native village Saifai on Saturday where he cut a huge five-tier cake in the presence of his son and chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, family members, party leaders and some businessmen.

There were big celebrations in state capital Lucknow and several cities and towns. Criticising the bash, BJP MP Yogi Adityanath said, “Farmers have lost their third straight crop. Drought has been declared in the state and yet Mulayam Singh Yadav is indulging in lavish celebrations on his birthday. People are in duress and the wasteful expenditure on parties is a joke on them. This birthday bash has shown the real face of Samajwadi Party’s socialism.”

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi was a bit muted in his criticism. “We respect Mulayam Singhji and wish him on his birthday. But leaders must set an example by their acts,” he said.