Mayawati’s birthday bash to be low key

With the Election Commission (EC) keeping a sharp watch, UP Chief Minister Mayawati’s birthday on Sunday promises to be a low key affair. The state election commission said on Saturday that it would be monitoring the BSP supremo’s biorthday celebrations.

Every year, Mayawati’s birthday is marked by a big bash where partymen, businessmen and other guests shower gold and silver jewellery, diamonds and other expensive gifts on the Dalit icon. However, this year,  her birthday is falling during elections when the EC’s model code of conduct is in force.

“We will be keeping a close watch on the chief minister’s birthday celebrations,” said UP chief electoral officer, Umesh Sinha. “If there is any celebration, its expenditure would be added to the party’s account as election expenses,” he added. BSP sources said the party top brass were already aware of the EC’s vigilance and no major celebration was being planned.