Political birthdays in Uttar Pradesh have always been a lavish affair, where crores are spent in a single day. The Congress too has plans to celebrate Rahul Gandhi's birthday, and this time all Dalits are invited.
Follow the leader seems to be the mantra for Congressmen in Uttar Pradesh. The state Congress believes that Rahul Gandhi's breaking bread with Dalits has brought them groundbreaking success. Now as thanksgiving, Rahul's birthday will be celebrated in Dalit homes across UP.
"Instructions have been given, that besides celebrating the birthday, maximum workers will visit Dalit localities in their wards, spend time there, have a meal with them, and re-establish the bond between the Congress and the Dalits," said UPCC spokesperson Akhilesh Pratap Singh.
For the Dalits, it's a welcome break from the usual political birthday bashes where they are expected to pay for the party.
"We are used to giving money for Mayawati's birthday, let us see how different Rahul Gandhi's birthday is going to be," said a local.
Mayawati has often criticised Rahul's mingling with the Dalits, calling it tokenism, and it's his birthday she has now chosen to kickstart BSP's nationwide awareness campaign against parties like the Congress. But this is one Bash that the Congress will not let Mayawati gatecrash.
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