By TwoCircles.net Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Political Iftar parties in the auspicious month of Ramadan have become a routine affair in Uttar Pradesh. This Ramdan also political iftar parties are picking up in the Hindi belt. Organising such political iftar parties which are hosted by political parties themselves or by leaders of some political parties where any high profile politician is invited.
In Ramdan 1434, political iftar parties are slowly picking up in Lucknow. The beginning has been done by holding an iftar by Mohammad Haneef, who is former general secretary of Samajwadi Party at Taiyyab Hall, Aishbagh Eidgah on Wednesday. Cabinet minister for PWD, Irrigation Shivpal Yadav too was present on the occasion.
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There was nothing wrong in organising iftar parties and inviting even politicians. But after the iftar party a proper press note was issued with photographs highlighting that minister Shivpal Yadav and medical, health and family welfare minister Ahmed Hasan were also present during iftar.
UP government's information and public relations did the rest and released a press statement that minister Shivpal Yadav and Ahmed Hasan attended the iftar which was organised by Tehreek-e-Millat Foundation. Prayers were made after Namaz for the peace and development of the society and the country.
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, Additional Advocate General Zafaryab Jilani too were present during the iftar. Samajwadi Party's media cell even released two photographs of the iftar party with Shivpal and Ahmed Hasan in centerstage.
However, the organiser, Mohammad Haneef claimed that it was his personal effort and he organises it every year during ramdan. “People from all walks of life attended the iftar in large numbers. I don't organise it for political mileage,” he stated.
Three days ago, there was an invitation from Rashtriya Ulema Council to attend a iftar party at their state office situated at Hussainabad Crossing in Lucknow. TCN could not make it to the iftar party but the request was done very humbly by Maulana Amir Rashadi.
But, the season has come and in coming days, there will be more such iftar parties. Mulayam Singh Yadav holds iftar party regularly at his party office. And if his party is in power, the venue is shifted to CM residence. Last year, it was such a mad scramble that CM Akhilesh Yadav went inside after meeting the visitors.
The Bahujan Samaj Party also holds the iftar party in Lucknow but there is no rush due to the strict discipline. Everything is done in a proper manner and entry is through invitation by card. Usually it is held at Taj Hotel. For the Congress, the iftar party venue is their state headquarters where clerics are invited to attend it with Congress leaders.
