Nagpur, Apr 14: Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today led the state in paying homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar on the occasion of his 112th birth anniversary at Deekshabhoomi here. Shinde visited the historic Deekshabhoomi, where Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1957, and paid floral tributes. Speaking on the occasion, Shinde, the first Dalit chief minister of the state, said his elevation to the coveted post was possible due to the vision of Ambedkar who did everything to uplift the Dalits and downtrodden of the society. "I am excited to pay a visit to Deekshabhoomi today on the occasion of his birth anniversary", Shinde said, adding, "I will not lag behind in extending support to the memorial". He was accompanied by former chief minister A R Antulay, MPCC chief Ranjeet Deshmukh, his ministerial colleagues including Satish Chaturvedi, Anil Deshmukh, Sulekha Kumbhare, Anees Ahmad and Manikrao Thakre.

Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti chairman and Rajya Sabha MP R S Gavai and others were also present on the occasion.

Bureau Report