Mumbai: Rich tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi on his 67th death anniversary with the opposition Congress and NCP resolving to uphold his ideals for strengthening the country.
"My heartfelt tributes to the Mahatma, the father of nation 'Bapuji' on his Punyatithi!" Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted.
NCP organised a "silent protest" near the Gandhi statue close to Mantralaya to condemn the attempts being made to glorify Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse.
State NCP unit president Sunil Tatkare said his party was committed to secularism and would strive to preserve Gandhian ideals of peace and communal harmony.
"We will not allow extremist thoughts of Godse to be preached," he said.
Rashtriya Ekta Manch, headed by Congress MP Hussain Dalwai, organised a day-long dharna near the statue against Godse's glorification.
The Congress also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at a function held at the party office in central Mumbai.
The Congress will never allow glorification of Godse, party's state unit chief Manikrao Thakre said.
"Some elements are trying to celebrate this day as 'shourya diwas' with an aim to finish off Gandhian thoughts and ideals. This will not be allowed at any cost," he added.
