Birthday politics

Almost banished by the senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from entering the political arena in Madhya Pradesh, the former chief minister, Uma Bharati, and her supporters hit on an ingenious way of doing so. Instead of a political rally, Bharati celebrated her 52nd birthday by holding a public meeting in Madhya Pradesh. Although her supporters want her to return to the state, the present chief minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is insecure and has ensured that Bharati doesn't get involved in political activities there. And since the Assembly elections are due for November this year, senior BJP leaders are keen to indulge Chouhan - for now.