RPI wants 'bhoomi pujan' of Ambedkar Memorial to be done by PM Modi

THANE: Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Narayan Athawale here said that they want the earth- breaking ceremony (bhoomi pujan) of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial to be done by the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Athawale told reporters yesterday that the ceremony was scheduled to held on April 14 at Indu Mills premises in neighbouring Mumbai, but due to unavailability of the Prime Minister it has been postponed.

Though a date has not been finalised yet, Athawale said they are now planning to organise it on occasion on Buddha Purnanima (on May 4).

Followers will, however, he said, celebrate the birth anniversary of Ambedkar (on April 14) as their demand for a memorial for the great leader is being fulfilled.

On the Jaitapur nuclear project, Athawale said, RPI have joined hands with Shiv Sena in the state to oppose it.

The leader during the visit also inaugurated a one-day conference of farmers here and said he would take up the issue of having a separate budget for agriculture and getting the status of industry for agriculture sector.

In the meeting, mango growers expressed their concern over crop loss due to unseasonal rain in the Konkan belt and also demanded for a compensation of Rs 50,000-60,000 per hectare for the loss.