Low-key Ambedkar birth anniversary at his birthplace in MP

    Mhow (MP), Apr 14 (PTI) The 130th birth anniversary of
B R Ambedkar remained a low-key affair for the second
consecutive year at his birthplace here in Madhya Pradesh due
to the rise in coronavirus positive cases in the state.
    During normal days, Ambedkar's birth anniversary is
celebrated as "Ambedkar Mahakumbh" wherein thousands of his
followers and political leaders visit his memorial located in
the Kalipaltan area of the Mhow Cantonment.
    However, on Wednesday, two ministers namely Usha
Thakur and Tulsi Silawat, accompanied by a small group of
local BJP leaders, paid tributes to Ambedkar at the memorial.
Some Congress leaders also paid tribute.
    "Due to a steep rise in COVID-19 cases, section 144 is
in force as per the orders issued by Indore collector,"
Tehsildar Dhirendra Parashar said.
    Mhow is part of Indore district, which is the worst
hit in terms of the number of coronavirus positive cases and
fatalities in Madhya Pradesh.
    Parashar said the local administration has put
restrictions on the movement as well as the gathering of
people because of the pandemic.
    Former secretary of Ambedkar Memorial Society Mohanrao
Wakode said, "Last year also, followers of Ambedkar couldn't
pay their tribute due to the pandemic. This year also the same
situation prevailed, leaving us disappointed". PTI COR ADU
NSK NSK

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)