Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Criticizes Bharat Bandh and Congress Stance on SC Reservations

  • Aug. 22, 2024, 5:31 p.m.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has weighed in on recent political developments regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India, calling the Bharat Bandh over the issue “political” and defending the government's stance against implementing the Supreme Court’s recommended criterion of a creamy layer for SC reservations.

Addressing the media today, Athawale expressed his belief in individual rights and criticized the Bharat Bandh that was organized to protest against the potential introduction of a creamy layer in SC reservations. “I think everyone has the right to do what they want,” Athawale stated. “The Supreme Court has said that there should be a criterion of creamy layer in SC reservations. But, we all met the Prime Minister and he said that creamy layer won’t be implemented in SC reservations.”

Athawale underscored that SC reservations are rooted in the constitutional provisions established by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and argued that the Bharat Bandh was unnecessary. “SC reservation is based on caste that is given based on the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar. There was no need for Bharat Bandh on this issue. We all are against the creamy layer in SCs and STs, but today’s call for Bharat Bandh is political,” he said.

The Union Minister also took aim at Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent remarks on the constitution. “Mallikarjun Kharge talks about saving the constitution, but it’s Congress which has destroyed the Constitution,” Athawale alleged. “They have disrespected the Constitution and BR Ambedkar. They want to come into power in Maharashtra, but here, the Mahayuti government will be formed again.”

Athawale’s comments reflect ongoing tensions and political maneuvering around the issue of reservation policies and the broader discourse on constitutional values. As the debate continues, the Union Minister’s statements highlight the deep divisions and political strategies shaping the current discourse on SC and ST reservations in India.

 

 

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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