Sharad Pawar Faction MLA Tears Ambedkar’s Photo During Protest

Mumbai: The Sharad Pawar of the NCP was left red-faced on Wednesday after its leader Jitendra Awhad was seen allegedly tearing down the poster of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar during a protest. After facing widespread condemnation, Awhad issued an ‘unconditional apology’ for hurting the sentiments of people.

Awhad burnt the poster containing Manusmriti and Dr Ambedkar’s photo at Mahad to protest against the State Council of Educational Research and Training’s purported proposal to include some verses from Manusmriti in the curriculum of state schools. While doing so, he was also seen allegedly tearing down the poster of Ambedkar and trampling on it.

Condemning Awhad’s action, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) chief spokesperson Umesh Patil demanded that Awhad should be arrested and the state government should file a case against him for tearing down Dr BR Ambedkar’s portrait and trampling upon it. “In the name of burning the Manusmriti, Awhad tore down Babasaheb Ambedkar’s poster and trampled it,” Patil added.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said his party would hold state-wide protests against Awhad for insulting Ambedkar.

Facing widespread flak, Awhad issued an ‘unconditional apology’ by saying, “While protesting, I inadvertently tore down the poster which had the word Manusmriti written on it. I did not realise Babasaheb’s photo was on it. I made a mistake. I hope that Ambedkar followers will forgive me for this.”

Meanwhile, a BJP functionary Vivekandand Gupta has filed a complaint with the Raigad police against Awhad for allegedly tearing a post of Dr Ambedkar. He has demanded an immediate arrest of the NCP (SP) leader.

“Awhad committed the atrocious and appalling act of tearing the poster of Dr Ambedkar who is a revered figure in the country. The said act has hurt the feelings of a large number of people, particularly the people belonging to the scheduled castes,” said Gupta in his complaint.