LUCKNOW: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati’s birthday on January 15 marks a day of grand celebrations for party members. This year, however, Mayawati’s birthday will be observed as a day of austerity.
In solidarity with farmers protesting against the Centre’s farm laws and due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, Mayawati is learnt to have told party workers that no cake will be cut and the party will instead distribute clothes and blankets among the poor.
Mayawati also lost her 95-year-old father in November, said a senior party member, a huge blow to her as she is known to be very close to her family and often spent the evening of her birthday with her parents in Delhi. This, too, may be a factor for her not celebrating this year as she has given strict instructions that no cake or sweets are to be distributed, a BSP member said.
“This year will mark a huge change from previous years when Mayawati’s birthday was celebrated in a huge way. Cakes are cut in every district, with some going so far as to get cakes made in accordance with her age, like last year there was a 64 kg cake to mark her 64th birthday. She also holds a press conference on January 15 and releases the latest edition of her book,” said a party member.
January 15, observed as Jankalyankari Diwas by BSP, will be spent by party workers in distributing aid to the poor. Workers have been asked to distribute blankets, clothes and, if possible, to give financial aid to those in need. Senior party members will be heading the functions in various districts.
“Behenji (Mayawati) has taken a stand in the favour of farmers and has appealed to the Centre to take back the laws. However, as hundreds of farmers continue to languish at the Delhi border in the cold, many having committed suicide, she believes that this is not the time for celebrations,” said another party member.