BJP celebrates Vajpayee’s birthday in Lucknow

LUCKNOW - The 87th birthday of former prime minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) patriarch Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Saturday celebrated by party leaders and activists here.

Mass feasts, recitation of verses from the Ramayana and cultural events were hosted by BJP cadres in Lucknow, which Vajpayee represented for five consecutive terms in the Lok Sabha.

“He is a great leader and will continue to inspire the citizens of the country even if he remains out of active politics,” BJP leader and Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma told reporters here.

Distribution of a 87-kg laddu was a major highlight of the day.

“After offering prayers for the longevity of our leader at the Hanuman temple, the laddu was distributed among the public. We also distributed clothes, food and sweets to the poor and downtrodden across the state,” said BJP leader Lalji Tandon, who represents the Lucknow constituency.

BJP activists will also light 87 ‘diyas’, or earthen lamps, at a temple.