Union Minister of State and Rajya Sabha member Ramdas Athawale is currently visiting Chhattisgarh to expand the footprint of the Republican Party of India (RPI). During his visit to Bilaspur, he discussed the party's ongoing efforts and stated that if the organization gains sufficient ground in the state, a coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for four to five seats could be considered in the future.
Focus on Expanding Party Base
Addressing the media in Bilaspur, Ramdas Athawale acknowledged that while his party entered the state quite early, it has not grown at the desired pace. He emphasized his firm resolve to unite the Dalit and OBC communities across the region. His stated goal is to elevate the party's standing so that it evolves into a major political force within the state in the coming years.
Stance on NDA Alliance and Seat-Sharing
When questioned about contesting upcoming assembly elections in alliance with the BJP, Ramdas Athawale reminded that his party is already an integral part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Pointing out that NDA constituents hail from Maharashtra, Bihar, and the Northeast, he noted that if the RPI's strength increases locally, the BJP might allocate a few seats. He reiterated that if the party secures a solid base and receives four to five seats from the BJP, they would definitely evaluate the option.
Critique of Rahul Gandhi
Shifting his focus to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Union Minister alleged that the opposition leader frequently makes misleading statements. He echoed the sentiment that people should ignore such rhetoric, noting that the central government is actively working for the welfare of youth, women, farmers, and every citizen to ensure they receive due justice. He accused the opposition of attempting to mislead the public with hollow promises.
Defense of the Reservation System
Defending the reservation system, Ramdas Athawale stated that it was instituted to strengthen the nation. He recalled that during the drafting of the Constitution, Baba Saheb Ambedkar advocated for reservation despite initial resistance, explaining that it was essential for national progress. He added that the benefits of reservation extend to individuals across communities, including Hindus and Muslims, making any opposition to the policy unjustified.
