The Maharashtra Congr-ess has organised an Olympic-style event on December 28, the party’s foundation day. A torch will be carried by Congress leaders and workers in a relay from Lajpat Hall, where the first session of the Congress was held in 1885, to Somaiya Ground (about 20 km away) where the main flame will be lit.
Mohammed Azharuddin and Raj Babbar have confirmed their participation in the relay, said MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre. The MPCC chief denied the event has been organised by him as a show of strength and that other leaders were not supporting it. Mr Thakre said it has been organised on the lines of the Congress’ national convention in Delhi on November 12, 2012. “There will be a flag-hoisting ceremony in the presence of several party leaders and freedom fighters. We will also felicitate freedom fighters. A torch will be lit by freedom fighters and our leaders, as well activists, will carry the torch to Somiaya ground where the main flame will be lit,” he said.