Times News NetworkLucknow: Cutting of cakes some as big as 53-foot long, distribution of food and fruits to poor, bicycles to girl students and blood donation camps marked Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav’s birthday celebrations across the state on Wednesday. Greetings poured in from chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and a host of senior politicians from across India.“Heartfelt birthday greetings to former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Shri Akhilesh Yadavji. I pray to Lord Shri Ram for your good health and a long life,” Yogi Adityanath said in his message on X. Rahul Gandhi,too, posted in Hindi on X: “Together, we will fulfil the resolve for social justice through the participation of the PDA. Best wishes for good health and a happy life.”BSP chief Mayawati also wished the SP chief.Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, UP BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary, UP assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, Union minister Anupriya Patel, Nishad party chief Sanjay Nishad, DMK MP Kanimozhi, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soran, DMK chief MK Stalin were also among those who wished the former UP CM on his 53rd b’day.Party functionaries reached SP headquarters early morning on Wednesday carrying garlands and bouquets. Functionaries had set-up gates and hoardings outside the party office in Lucknow. As Akhilesh’ motorcade reached the party office, cardre showered petals on him while many enthusiastic workers danced to drumbeats. Roads leading to the party headquarters were decorated in SP coloured – red and green – balloons. At the party’s Lucknow district office, celebrations were marked by cutting of cake by former MLC Dr Madhu Gupta and Fakir Siddiqui. Former president of SP women wing Juhi Singh organised a tree plantation drive to mark the event.In Varanasi, cardre performed puja and put out posters portraying Akhilesh as Lord Krishna and saviour of Lord Ram’s treasure. In Shamli, despite heavy rains, cardre turned out in large numbers to attend celebrations organised by senior functionary Prof Sudhir Panwar. In Akhilesh’s native village of Saifai, SP national principal general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav planted 53 saplings near his residence.SP’s Moradabad MP, Ruchi Veera, who was in the news following her differences with MLA Kamal Akhtar which led to his resignation as party’s chief whip in state assembly, celebrated Akhikesh’s birthday by cutting a 54-foot long cake as the clock struck midnight on Tuesday.
