The leader of Republican Party of India and newly inducted minister in Narendra Modi’s cabinet, Ramdas Athawale has justified his decision to join hands with the BJP to become a minister.
Speaking at Press Conference, a flagship programme of ABP News, Athawale said that there was nothing wrong in changing alliance to become a part of the ruling establishment.
In response to a question from www.jantakareporter.com’s editor-in-chief, Rifat Jawaid, Athawale said, ” Even Babasaheb Ambedkar wanted that we got the opportunity to be in power. I never seek government portfolio for myself. I never work for myself. I work for people, almost 18 hours every day.”
Athawale said that that one of the reasons why he had ended his alliance with Congress and NCP was because atrocities against Dalits had increased under Manmohan Singh government.
When reminded that atrocities against Dalits had sharply increased under Narendra Modi government, Athawale said, “It’s true that Rohith Vemula incident happened and I had demanded a strict action against the Hyderabad University VC. But, for your information, nine more Dalit students had committed suicide on the same campus in the past.”
Athawale said that he wouldn’t hesitate to quit the government if the central government decided to tinker with the constitution, which was drafted by BR Abmbedkar.
You can watch the full press conference below. Alternatively you can watch Press Conference on ABP News at 2200 on Sunday.
