Contribute financially to BSP on my birthday: Maya

LUCKNOW: Facing flak from various political parties for allegedly accepting cash and gifts, BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday said she has appealed to her supporters to celebrate her birthday on Monday by 'contributing financially' to the party and for welfare activities.
    
The UP chief minister, who will turn 52 on January 14, said here that she had asked "party workers and well-wishers to undertake welfare activities for helpless widows, the old and meritorious poor students" on the occasion.
    
"This would be the most valuable and important gift for me," she said and asked BSP workers to celebrate the occasion with simplicity in view.
    
Mayawati said a book 'My Story of Struggle: BSP's Journey - Part 3' would be released on the occasion in New Delhi and also promised a slew of schemes for the people, but refused to divulge them till then.
    
The Dalit leader was earlier this week virtually given a clean chit by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal which said she received gifts out of 'veneration and personal esteem', a decision which drew flak from various political parties including the Congress, BJP and Samajwadi Party.