LUCKNOW: Twenty-five years of animosity were buried in an unprecedented show of unity by BSP and SP workers on Mayawati and Dimple Yadav’s birthday on Tuesday. More than the occasion, the manner in which celebrations were held across districts in the state, showcased the historic takeoff of the alliance.In almost all events, organisers ensured BSP and SP were projected as ‘equal partners’ in celebrations in an endorsement of party bosses’ decision. United colours of the alliance were evident even in posters and banners, which had photographs of Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and Mayawati on one side and Mulayam, Akhilesh and Dimple on the other. The splash of unity was also seen on pandal decors at venues or on the icing of cakes.In Varanasi, which happens to be the parliamentary constituency of PM Narendra Modi, the district unit of SP got together with BSP cadre to celebrate the occasion outside the Cantonment railway station by cutting a cake with blue icing and another which had SP colors – red and green.In Moradabad, enthusiastic party workers showcased a cake that was half blue and half red and green. And it was the presence of Sant Ram Das at the event that became the talk of the town. Always clad in saffron and more popularly known for his tirade against pollution, Das happens to be convener of the Ram Ganga Mukti Morcha and is viewed as a staunch supporter of ruling BJP. The event was held near the district collectorate compound.In Balia, the unity hue was even more interesting as BSP leader Ambika Chaudhary, an aide of SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav who abandoned the party to join BSP ahead of 2017 assembly polls –celebrated his party chief Mayawati’s birthday by cutting a cake which had blue and red stripes. SP leaders donning red caps also shared stage.Red and blue colors were also noticeable in Barabanki, where former minister in the Akhilesh cabinet Arvind Singh Gope chaired an event organised to celebrate the birthday of BSP supremo. However, the SP also had its share of festivity as the cake had shades of red, green and blue symbolising the two parties. Celebrations across the state that were organised by both SP and BSP leaders were more of an attempt to send across a message that workers in two parties have joined hands, say political analysts. “It was more of an attempt to dispel the notion that coming together of SP-BSP leadership was yet to percolate to the grassroot level,” said a political commentator.

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