Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has appealed to his followers, party workers and well-wishers to not celebrate his birthday (July 22) this year, due to the current situation of COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown norms placed by the administration.

"Considering the COVID-19 outbreak situation in the state, I have decided to not celebrate my birthday. I appeal all party workers and followers to refrain from doing celebrations. Please follow social distancing norms and rules laid down by the administration," Pawar said to his followers.

"Greetings from the public, well-wishers, supporters, colleagues, party workers who love me, my party, Pawar family are most important for me. I am always fascinated to receive this love from all of you. So I appeal to all of you to send me birthday wishes and greetings through the digital mediums like Whatsapp, email, Facebook, Twitter etc. Everybody should stay at home, not step out unless necessary and take care of yourself while the Covid-19 situation is resolved," Pawar stated.

"We all need to follow the preventive and precautionary measures undertaken by the administration to curb the spread of coronavirus. Please do not risk your life, your family and society at large by stepping out of home for non-essential purposes. I appeal that nobody should come to meet me personally," added Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra.