star studded welcome for clinton

LUCKNOW: A star-studded welcome awaits former US President Bill Clinton when he arrives in the state capital early on Wednesday, with popular Bollywood actors and top industrialists in tow.

There will be a dinner in his honour at chief minister Mulayam Singh's official residence.

Bollywood idol Amitabh Bachchan, actors turned MPs Jaya Bachchan and Jaya Prada, Aiswarya Rai, Anil Kapoor and Sahara group chairman Subrata Roy, among a host of others, figure in the guest list.

A separate platform has also been erected for cultural events which will include a performance by choreographer Shiamak Davar.

"The guest list for the function comprises 150 people, including all members of UP Development Council," said principal secretary (home) Alok Sinha. Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is also arriving here to attend the dinner.

Agents with the United States Secret Service expressed satisfaction over security arrangements made for Clinton's visit. Sinha said the agents were present when the route drill was undertaken by security personnel.

"They minutely scrutinised all security aspects and expressed satisfaction," he added, refusing to divulge where Clinton would be staying.

"I can only say that four places have been identified for his stay and it is for the USSS to finally decide where he would be staying," he said.

However, later reports said the ex-president of the US will stay at the Taj Residency hotel.
Clinton would be accompanied by Sant Chatwal, Doug Band, Frank Giustra, Justin Cooper, Jay Carson and Tim Phillips, all of them members of the Clinton Foundation.

A two-member advance party of the foundation had arrived two days ago to oversee preparations being made for the former US President's visit.

Clinton will leave for China after attending Wednesday’s dinner.

"His departure timing, too, has been kept a secret for security reasons," Sinha said.

In fact, Clinton's engagements while in Lucknow have also not been revealed with officials preferring not to comment on it.