Political parties

Divas or no-divas,politicians like to celebrate their birthdays and it is not always a divas that marks it. Former railway minister Laloo Prasad’s fans like to celebrate his birthday by organising cleanliness drives,while MNS supporters organised blood donation camps to mark the birthday of Raj Thackeray. Politicians big or small have their ideal birthday celebrations.

As the city Congress members gear up to celebrate their leader’s birthday,Abhay Chaajed,City Congress president says,”It is good that the national politicians are celebrating their birthdays by doing social work. We too are going to carry out a tree plantation programme at the Pashan Lake to mark the occasion.”

Another politician from the city,Arun Bhatia echos his views when enquired about his ideal birthday celebration. Bhatia says,“I do not mind a big celebration if it’s not politically-aimed.” But there are also those who prefer a simple affair. Anil Shirole of the BJP would like go for a quite dinner with family and shies away from big bashes.

“I would like to celebrate my birthday by visiting a temple and an old-age home. I would like my friends and family to be present on that day,” says Ranjit Shirole of MNS.

Sachin Pawar,president,Kasba Assembly,

Maharastra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena says the birthday celebration of a party leader is an occasion for people to meet their leader,which is not always possible for them. “Although it’s not important but there is no harm in celebrating the day because if we can celebrate the birthdays of our national leaders,then why not also of our party leaders. It has got nothing to do with publicity,it’s just an opportunity for people to meet,greet their leader and also express their grievances,if any,” he adds.

Politicians celebrating their birthdays have always been the talk of the media. But speculations run high when big bashes such as the one for Rahul Gandhi are organised. As Arun Bhatia says,“Rahul Gandhi’s birthday celebration is a part of image building. This is a planned maneuver to perpetuate dynastic rule in India.”