Agitations a 'big threat' to communal harmony: CM

PUNE: The chief minister said Ambedkar had embraced Buddhism because he found that the path shown by Buddha was based on the principles of equality, brotherhood and liberty. "These principles have once again become quite significant in the current context as the acts of people with a narrow mindset are damaging social harmony," he said.
Speaking on other issues, Fadnavis said the state government would soon develop a "Buddha circuit" in Maharashtra highlighting various tourist destinations and market it across the globe."We will attract foreign tourists, especially those from countries like China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The central government has offered us a fund of Rs 100 crore for the purpose while the state government will also earmark additional funds," he said, adding that the Ajanta caves would be the major attraction of the circuit.
Fadnavis also said that the state government would explore opportunities of setting up an independent university for the promotion of literature in the Pali language. "I will soon convene a special meeting with the ministers concerned in the state and the Centre to discuss the options to set up the university," he said.