Lucknow has been plastered with posters and banners.
The ruling Samajwadi Party or SP in Uttar Pradesh is set to host a mega national convention of its members from across the country, at a time when the state is facing a massive shortage in power supply.
The ninth national convention, which will be held in Lucknow between October 8 and October 10, will mark 22 years of the party's formation. Nearly 10,000 delegates of the party are expected to be present.
The recent victories in the by-elections have added more cheer to the show; Lucknow has been plastered with posters and banners of the party leadership to mark the occasion.
While the party is tight-lipped about the cost of this grand affair, our estimates based on market rates suggest a significant expenditure of over Rs 20 crores for food, accommodation, travel and decoration.
BJP spokesperson Manoj Mishra claimed that it was not a convention by the Samajwadi Party but one by the ruling state government, as the state machinery had been "misused" to organise it.
"When the state is going through a power crisis and (facing a) law and order situation, why host such a lavish ceremony," asked Mr Mishra.
Samajwadi Party leader Bhagwati Singh, who is involved in the preparations for the convention, dismissed the statement, saying the BJP has to say something, so it will do so.
All delegates are contributing Rs 200 for the event, said Mr Singh.
In its income tax filings for 2012- 2013, the Samajwadi Party had declared an income of Rs 146 crores, so it has the funds to sponsor the event; Rs 121 crore came from donations.
When we visited the venue, we found state Village Industries Minister Narad Rai, who was helping organise the event.
"I am here as a party worker, not as a minister. The party is paying for this, not the state," said Mr Rai.
Yet, we found workers of the state forest department planting 6,000 plants for the ceremony, raising questions about whether the costs of the three-day celebration will ultimately be borne by the common man.