PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi pay homage to BR Ambedkar

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: "On Mahaparinirvan Diwas, I pay homage to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and recall his exemplary service to our nation. His struggles gave hope to millions and his efforts to give India such an extensive Constitution can never be forgotten."

President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas at Parliament House Lawns.

Remembering Dr Ambedkar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Babasaheb's struggling life, thoughts and achievements are a source of inspiration for all.

"Babasaheb Ambedkar gave the country a justice-oriented, progressive and all-inclusive constitution, which ensured the protection of the rights of every class. Babasaheb's struggling life, thoughts and achievements are a source of inspiration for all. Today, on his Mahaparinirvan day, I remember him and bow down to him," he tweeted.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Dr Ambedkar's thoughts and ideals are not only an inspiration for all Indians but are also the basis for building a new India.

"I pay my heartfelt tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 'Mahaparinirvan Diwas'. His thoughts and ideals are not only an inspiration for all Indians but are also the basis for building a new India. The work of realizing the dream he had seen for an independent India is going on," he tweeted.

Former AICC president Rahul Gandhi said: "We are all, firstly and lastly, equals. We are all, firstly and lastly, Indians. Anything contrary to this, was unacceptable to Babasaheb, and is unacceptable to us who walk on his constitutional path. Humblest tributes to him, on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas."