LUCKNOW, April 6 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marked its 45th foundation day with statewide celebrations on Sunday, beginning with the hoisting of the party flag by state BJP president Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh at the party's state headquarters in Lucknow.

Accompanied by state general secretary (organisation) Dharampal Singh, Chaudhary led the event where floral tributes were paid to key ideologues Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay. Party office bearers and workers gathered in large numbers for the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Chaudhary credited the dedication and perseverance of party workers for the BJP's growth into what he described as the world's largest political party.

He extended greetings on ...