Avoid gatherings on Shab-e-Barat, Ambedkar anniversary: Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday urged Muslims to observe Shab-e-Barat staying inside ir homes and also suggested that birth anniversary celebrations of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar be postponed to avoid a Nizamuddin congregation-like episode.

Pawar said Ram Navami, being observed on Thursday, is celebrated with fervour every year across country. "Unfortunately, re is this threat of coronavirus this year and we have to observe some restrictions...but I am sure people must be remembering Lord Ram staying inside ir homes," he said in his address via Facebook.

Pawar furr said that congregation such as one held last month in Delhi's Nizamuddin area by Tablighi Jamaat could have been avoided, and urged people to ensure re is repeat of such meetings on Shab-e-Barat. " Tablighi should have had avoided (organising) event, but did t. cost is being paid elsewhere. We should take care and see such incidents do t recur, he said.

former Union minister said "possibility of some people who attended meeting carrying disease cant be ruled out" and pressed for maintaining discipline given situation caused by COVID-19 outbreak.

He said Shab-e-Barat, also kwn as night of forgiveness, will be observed on April 8. Muslims visit graveyards on that day to remember ir relatives who are more, NCP chief said and called for taking precautions to avoid garing of people given coronavirus crisis. "I would request m (Muslims) to remember relatives who are more, staying inside home. Offer Namaz inside homes.

It is t time to visit graveyard toger and ensure re is repeat of Nizamuddin-like episode," he added. Pawar also ted that birth anniversary of Constitution's architect Dr B R Ambedkar is celebrated with enthusiasm on April 14 every year. He, however, questioned if present time is right occasion to celebrate anniversary by garing in big numbers, given coronavirus threat.

"But, time has definitely come to think wher celebration can be postponed. All sections of society may have to face some (health) issue if we come toger in large number (to mark anniversary)," Pawar said. We should remember Babasaheb, his contribution. But savant people should think if its period (of celebrating anniversary) can be changed this time, he added.

NCP president ted in general, 90 per cent people have been observing lockdown, but 10 per cent are t doing so. He also said re is short of food grains and vegetables in country and yet people are seen venturing out of homes in big numbers to buy essential commodities, fearing y will be out of stock.

" Centre and state government will have to take steps to extend lockdown if we do t take eugh precautions during this period and spread of disease continues. So, please let all of us adhere to all guidelines strictly...we should face crisis with a spirit to defeat it, he said.

Pawar also advised youngsters to read books during lockdown period and listen to what y like to develop ir personality. He praised Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, state administration and police for working round--clock, and asked people to cooperate with m by staying at home.

Maratha strongman urged people to avoid arguments with police during lockdown and asked doctors to keep ir hospitals open for outside patients during crisis hours. He also took questions from people during address via Facebook. questions were read out to him by his daughter and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule (who was t visible in frame). One of questions came from Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Aditi Tatkare, who raised concerns over levying of 12.5 per cent GST on ventilators used during current health scare, and called for reducing it. Replying to it, Pawar said Maharashtra government has requested Centre to reduce GST on ventilators.

" states Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, has made some suggestions to Union finance ministry. We are trying to resolve this issue. But as we try to get GST reduced, efforts to make ventilators available w should t be stopped," he added.

READ: Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM Lashes Out Over 'communalising' Nizamuddin Meet Amid Covid Spread