He was presiding over the birthday celebrations of BSP supremo Mayavathi at Ambedkar Bhavan here on Tuesday.

BSP is not limited to any particular class. It belongs to all, he reiterated.

BSP State Secretary G K Basavaraj, who inaugurated the celebrations, said needy were being given financial help on the occasion of the birthday of Ms Mayavathi in accordance with her wish.

The party activists celebrated the birthday of their leader by providing financial assistance to five selected persons of the district.

District Brotherhood Committee President Maragunda Prasanna, member Manjegowda wished that Ms Mayavathi would become the Prime Minister of India when she would celebrate her next birthday.

District Secretary N P Eshwar, Narayanaguru District Committee General Secretary V P Thamban, District Brotherhood Committee office bearers Shaila, Zhakir Husain, Vazid among others were present.

Naxal package

District Congress Committee has welcomed the approval of the Central government for releasing Rs 524 crore for the development of naxal-inflicted districts.

Congress district spokesperson A N Mahesh said the package would result in the commencement of various projects including the development of 1,351 km roads in Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Udupi and Tumkur districts.

Welcoming the Aranyavasigala Hakku Manyata Masudhe, he said opportunity has also been provided to the tribals to collect forest produces and celebrate folk observances in 2 acres of area without involving in animal hunting.

The Act will be much beneficial in providing infrastructure like education, water, health and samudaya bhavans, he added.