Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale made a striking claim at a press conference on Thursday. He said that in the country's politics, the side he chooses to stand with is the one that ends up forming the government. Alongside this, he expressed confidence that the NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would also register a thumping majority win in the 2029 and 2034 general elections. Athawale made these remarks while addressing a press conference held to mark the completion of 12 years of the Modi government at the Centre.
Athawale said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would go on to serve the nation for more than 25 years. Clarifying his statement later, he explained the arithmetic behind it, noting that his count also factored in the past 12 years of the Modi government. The plain implication is that PM Modi would win the upcoming 2029 and 2034 Lok Sabha elections as well and remain in power. In Athawale's words, "The people of the country want Modi alone to stay in power."
"I Always End Up Being Part of the Government"
Referring to constitutional principles, he said that in a democracy the real strength lies with the people, who operate on the principle of 'one person, one vote, one value.' During the press conference, Athawale remarked in a light-hearted and humorous tone, "Whoever I choose to support is the one who comes to power. That is why I always end up being part of the government, while the opposition is left out of power."
Dig at Rahul Gandhi
The Union Minister also took a sharp swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. In a jocular manner, he congratulated Rahul Gandhi for becoming an "expert at criticising on a daily basis." Athawale expressed confidence that even after the next elections there would be no change in the opposition's situation, because the NDA has no intention whatsoever of leaving power.
Mention of His Meeting With PM Modi
Athawale also spoke about his recent meeting with Prime Minister Modi. He shared that during this meeting he had presented PM Modi with a statue of Lord Buddha on behalf of his party. Athawale told the Prime Minister that, given the current global circumstances, the world is in dire need not of war but of the teachings of Lord Buddha and of peace.
Rejected Allegations of Discrimination
Underlining the secular outlook of the NDA government, Athawale flatly dismissed the allegations of discrimination levelled against it. He stressed that the Modi government works equally for the development and welfare of all communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Buddhists and Lingayats.
