Tributes paid to Ambedkar, followers throng 'Chaityabhoomi'

Mumbai: Rich tributes were today paid to the architect of Constitution Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his death anniversary, observed as ‘Mahaparinirvan Din’ by lakhs of followers from all over the state who converged at his memorial ‘Chaityabhoomi’ near Shivaji Park in Dadar. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and former deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were among the leaders who paid homage to Ambedkar at ‘Chaityabhoomi’. [caption id=“attachment_547717” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  AFP[/caption] At Mantralaya, the state Secretariat, floral tributes were offered to the late leader. At Vidhan Bhawan, Legislature staff paid tributes to Ambedkar. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after paying tributes, Ajit Pawar welcomed the Centre’s announcement regarding handing over the India United (Indu) Mill land here for the construction of Ambedkar’s memorial. A long pending demand of lakhs of followers of Ambedkar has been fulfilled, Pawar said, adding that “no one should try to claim credit for the decision.” The city’s public transport wing, BEST undertaking, ran special buses between Dadar and Shivaji Park, an official said, adding that food stalls were also being put up to provide free snacks there. The BMC set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets and six medical stalls at Shivaji Park, Dadar Station, at Rajgriha (Ambedkar’s residence) and Kurla Terminus. Arrangements were also made to provide drinking water at Shivaji Park, they said. PTI