Tributes paid to Ambedkar on death anniversary

MUMBAI: Rich tributes were today paid to the architect of Constitution, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 58th death anniversary, observed as 'Mahaparinirvan Din' by thousands of followers from all over the state who converged at his memorial 'Chaityabhoomi' near Shivaji Park in Dadar.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and education minister Vinod Tawde were among the leaders who paid homage to Ambedkar at 'Chaityabhoomi'.

At Mantralaya, the state secretariat, floral tributes were offered to the late leader. At Vidhan Bhawan, Legislature staff paid tributes to Ambedkar.

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 has 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, he said.