Mumbai: While the country remembers December 6 as the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, in Mumbai it marks Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's 49th death anniversary.
Even as lakhs of the poorest and most disadvantaged people poured in from across the country to pay homage to the man who helped better their lot, the significance is lost on local Mumbaikars who grapple with resulting traffic jams and chaos.
People made a beeline to Chaitya Bhoomi, near Shivaji Park where Ambedkar was cremated. The majority of the dalit visitors were from the interiors of Maharashtra and from North India.
Most of them camped on the streets as it was the only option for them.
"We've come jogging from Miraj, we left on November 28 and reached here on December 6," Dr Ravikumar Gavai, a jogger, said
"We are here for our religious leader's blessings and our wishes will be fulfilled," Vinod Sonawane, a follower, said.
But the show of strength put the city's infrastructure under strain, as traffic moved at snail's pace and many Mumbaiites frowned their way to work.
But the police put up a brave face, claiming the situation was somewhat under control.
As truckloads of followers poured into the city?some drawn by political motives other's simply by the magnetism of their hero, it was the regular Mumbaikar that was caught between the two.
Comments
0 comment