In a deviation from the prevalent practice in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath might not host an Iftar party this year at his official 5, Kalidas Marg residence.
A senior official told 'The Pioneer' on Wednesday that there is no possibility of the CM holding an Iftar party. “There is no indication from the CM so far regarding the issue,” he said preferring anonymity.
It has been a routine for Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers to hold Iftar party during their tenure at the CM's official residence. All BJP Chief Ministers including Rajnath Singh and Kalyan Singh used to organise such Iftar parties. The only exception was however Ram Prakash Gupta, who did not hold Iftar party because of political instability.
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee too held Iftar party but the present prime Minister Narendra Modi has refrained from holding Iftar so far.
Earlier, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati and former outgoing Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav hosted Iftar parties at their official residences. During Mayawati`s regime, the event was once held at Hotel Taj with select people being invited.
However, Governor Ram Naik would be holding an Iftar party next week. Former CM Akhilesh Yadav too will hold Iftar party while the Congress will be holding an Iftar at a starred hotel in lucknow on June 22.
Members of Rashtriya Muslim Manch (RMM) -the Muslim wing of the RSS, is holding Iftar parties at several places in the state breaking their day-long fast in the evening with products made from cowmilk.