Latest news with #Athawale
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Not aware of any surgical strike under Congress-led UPA govt, says Athawale
Before being part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Athawale's Republic Party of India (Athawale) was a constituent of the Congress-helmed United Progressive Alliance (UPA). He said Operation Sindoor was necessary to teach Pakistan a lesson, adding that the neighbouring country should stop supporting terrorists and hand over the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) back to India. Mumbai, May 29 (PTI) Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Thursday asserted that he was not aware of any surgical strike carried out during the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh, and that there was no information available about it. Referring to Operation Sindoor, Athawale said, 'Before this, another surgical strike had been carried out during the Narendra Modi government only. Congress leaders might say that a surgical strike had been conducted during Manmohan Singh's tenure. But there is no such information. I was with the Congress and part of the UPA at that time. I do not have any information about any such surgical strike.' The Minister of State for Social Justice said, 'The entire world knows that action like Operation Sindoor was necessary. Terrorists came from Pakistan and killed our people at Pahalgam in Kashmir…' He dismissed allegations that PM Modi was politicising the issue. 'Operation Sindoor was necessary to teach Pakistan a lesson. There is no need to politicise the issue. PM Modi is not politicising it,' Athawale said. Responding to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's remarks on the BJP's silence over former US President Donald Trump claiming credit for ceasefire efforts between India and Pakistan, Athawale said nobody could stop Trump from expressing his opinions. 'Trump has put forward his views. The reason behind the prevailing peaceful situation is because we succeeded in destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan. India has always maintained that PoK should be returned. Trump has no role in it,' the minister said. India has always maintained that discussion with Pakistan will have no intermediary. We do not need anyone for that, he added. Athawale also slammed Pakistan for continuing to support terrorism. 'Pakistan never learnt its lessons as it trained terrorists and sent them to India. If it keeps doing so, Pakistan must have learnt by now that India may destroy it. Pakistan should stop supporting terrorists and hand over PoK back to India,' he said. Speaking about the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra, Athawale made it clear that his party – RPI (A) – will stay with the BJP, even if other alliance partners of the ruling Mahayuti alliance contest elections on their own. 'Aligning with RPI (A) will be beneficial for the BJP,' he said. PTI ND NP This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Caste census essential to ensure social justice: Ramdas Athawale
Caste census is essential to understand the representation of different communities and the exercise will strengthen social justice, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr. Athawale said the exercise would provide critical data and help the government to formulate policies for upliftment of backward classes. 'Empowering every caste is possible only when we know their real condition,' he said. Replying to a question, Mr. Athawale said India had clearly rejected any third-party intervention in the military conflict between India and Pakistan. He said that U.S. President Donald Trump had volunteered to mediate between the two countries, but we clearly rejected any third-party intervention. 'There can be no friendship with Pakistan till they return Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to India and there is a permanent solution to the threat of cross-border terrorism,' he said.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
NDA unlikely to make Chirag CM face: Union Minister
Patna: Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment, Ramdas Athawale , said here on Thursday that the NDA in Bihar is unlikely to make LJP(RV) president Chirag Paswan its chief ministerial face for the 2025 assembly elections due this year. He, in the same vein, also advised Chirag to remain in national politics for some more time. "The NDA will not make LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan its CM face in the coming Bihar assembly polls. He is a Union minister and is also doing a good job, and accordingly, should stay in Delhi for some more time," Athawale said. "Chirag would get some assembly seats for his party, and his party would win some of them," Athawale said. Chirag has indicated that to build and strengthen his party's stakes in the state politics, he could even contest the coming assembly polls. However, Athawale had a different view. "Chirag's father Ram Vilas Paswan was my good friend. Earlier, Ram Vilas used to take decisions, now Chirag is doing it. He (Chirag) should stay away from state politics, and let his party contest the elections (as an NDA partner)," he said. Athawale, who heads a faction of the Maharashtra-based Republican Party of India (RPI), was on a day-long tour of the state. He said his party would not contest any seat in Bihar in the coming assembly elections, but would come to campaign for the NDA. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like CFD: ¿Cómo puedes ganar ingresos adicionales invirtiendo $200 en petróleo? Hubflux Más información Undo He criticised the Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for raising questions on Operation Sindoor. "To prevent anyone from exercising his or her freedom of speech is against the Constitution, but some Congress netas are making statements on the Operation Sindoor which could be called unconstitutional," Athawale said, and asked the govt to go for "direct fight" with Pakistan. Athawale also said the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A had led to an increase in tourist flow in Kashmir. "The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed, was meant to stop the tourist inflow into Kashmir," he said.
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"More such films should be made": Rahul Gandhi on biographical movie 'Phule'
New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has expressed his wholehearted support for the biographical film 'Phule.'. Directed by Ananth Mahadevan, the film highlights the inspiring lives of two of Maharashtra's most influential social reformers, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, who were pivotal in challenging social injustices like caste and gender discrimination in India. Taking to X, he wrote, ''Phule' is not just a film or a biography, it is a good initiative to recognize the history of the Bahujan society, which is missing from the mainstream of our education. More such films should be made that bring forth the Bahujan history and struggle - only by seeing, reading and recognising them will the voice of justice become louder.' Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also showed his appreciation for the biographical film 'Phule' during a special screening held on May 1, 2025, in Mumbai. Athawale praised the film for its cultural and social significance, emphasising that it is a must-watch for everyone, including lawmakers. The minister has called for the film to be made tax-free across India, suggesting it should be shown to all Parliamentarians and even President Draupadi Murmu.'This movie is a good attempt to highlight the contributions of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. It should be watched by everyone, especially our lawmakers, to understand the social issues it addresses. I recommend this film even to the President of India,' said Athawale in a press note, underlining the historical importance of the social reforms by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule and their relevance in modern-day India. 'Phule', starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, was released on April 25, 2025, after it faced objections from certain groups concerning its portrayal of caste-based discrimination. Director Ananth Mahadevan, who was also present at the screening, shared his gratitude for Athawale's support.'The film is a true to history and we have made it with all our heart. I am glad AthawaleJi has endorsed the film today. Today, I am as happy as I am grateful to him for his wholehearted support for the film,' Mahadevan said. The film's core narrative is rooted in the struggles of the Phules, who fought against caste discrimination, illiteracy, and gender biases in 19th-century India. 'Phule' is produced by Dancing Shiva Films and Kingsmen Productions, with Zee Studios handling its distribution. The film also features Vinay Pathak, Suresh Vishwakarma, and Darsheel Safary. (ANI)
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mahayuti should contest civic polls as united front: Athawale
Pune: Union Minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday urged the Mahayuti alliance to contest upcoming civic elections as a united front. Speaking to the reporters after a party meeting in Pune, Athawale emphasized on the need for the BJP , Shiv Sena, NCP, and RPI to participate as a grand alliance, especially after the Supreme Court's four-month election deadline. "I would share my political position about civic polls with the leaders of the parties part of the alliance. RPI should receive appropriate representation in these elections. Our key demands include securing candidacy for at least 15 wards in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, deputy mayor's position for the entire five-year term, and acquiring mayor's position if reservations for the backward class are implemented," Athawale said. He also announced that the RPI would organise rallies across all districts in the state to express gratitude and congratulations to the Indian Army for the success of Operation Sindhoor. Athawale added the Indian govt is handling the military operations with a lot of valour. "The govt has taken a strong stand against the terrorists. The issue of India and Pakistan is being handled by our govt without any external pressure, such as from the USA govt, as being claimed by the opposition parties," he said.
