States » WestPosted at: Oct 1 2026 11:22PM


Ramdas Athawale backs farmers’ loan waiver, Opposes demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation

Nashik, Oct 1 (UNI) union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Thursday addressed a press conference, discussing drought relief, farmers’ loan waivers, reservation, political representation for the Republican Party of India (RPI), and several ongoing political controversies.
Athawale said Maharashtra was facing drought conditions and claimed that drought had been declared in all talukas of the state. He said farmers would receive loan waivers and that the Central Government had taken decisions in view of the drought that would benefit farmers.
He said the RPI had instructed its workers to extend assistance to farmers. He also announced that he would write to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the state government to consider the needs of agricultural labourers while formulating relief measures.
Athawale said his party had planned a rally to mark the centenary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Mahad Satyagraha at Chavdar Tank but had cancelled it in view of the drought situation.
Commenting on the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, Athawale said the agitation was unnecessary and that his party did not support the demand.
He maintained that the Election Commission was an independent constitutional body and that demanding the resignation of its chief was not justified.
Athawale said electronic voting machines (EVMs) were used in several countries, while elections were also conducted using ballot papers in other countries.
He added that the RPI would have no objection if elections were conducted using ballot papers in India, asserting that his party could even see an increase in its votes.
On the proposed agitation by the Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray factions, Athawale said the RPI would not participate. He said those wishing to join the march were free to do so but urged the organisers to maintain peace.
He further claimed that no matter how many protests were held, Gyanesh Kumar would not resign.
Athawale said the RPI had established its presence in 28 states and was working to strengthen its organisational structure across the country. He said the party was seeking representation in two government corporations and a legislative seat.
He also stressed the need to establish RPI branches at the village level and bring people from all castes and communities together.
Speaking about the party’s political journey, Athawale said the RPI was among the country's oldest political parties and that his faction had consistently played a role in government formation through its alliances.
He said the party would present an account of its work over the past 15 years before the people.
On reservation, Athawale said the benefits of existing quotas had not reached all communities equally. He specifically pointed out that the Matang community had a lower level of educational attainment and had therefore not benefited sufficiently from reservation.
He advocated a caste-based census, saying reservation benefits should be distributed according to the population of different communities, while ensuring that no community faced injustice.
Athawale said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had decided to conduct a caste-based census, which would help establish the population proportions of various communities, including OBCs, Brahmins and Marathas.
He reiterated his demand for reservation benefits for economically weaker sections and said the existing 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections among upper-caste communities was beneficial.
On sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes (SCs), Athawale said several communities felt they were not receiving their fair share of reservation benefits. He said the demand for sub-categorisation was particularly strong among the Matang community in Maharashtra.
He acknowledged that Buddhist communities were also organising marches over the issue and said efforts were needed to find a solution that ensured fairness to all communities.
He added that no similar demand had been raised by Scheduled Tribe communities.
Athawale expressed support for Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil but clarified that his party did not support the demand for a separate reservation for the Maratha community.
He said economically weaker members of the Maratha community should receive reservation benefits and pointed out that the existing 10 per cent EWS quota was available to eligible beneficiaries.
Commenting on allegations involving Prakash Londhe, Athawale said Londhe had been working in the district for a long time and had faced some injustice. He said he had not received any complaints from traders against Londhe.
Athawale alleged that the police were treating him unfairly, while acknowledging that action had been taken against Londhe in connection with allegations of leading a gang.
Athawale reiterated his demand that Ozar Airport near Nashik be named after Dadasaheb Gaikwad. He said everyone had the right to make demands regarding the airport's name and clarified that the RPI had raised its demand earlier.
While stating that his party had no objection to the proposed name 'Jatayu', he insisted that the airport should be named after Dadasaheb Gaikwad.
Commenting on the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, Athawale expressed confidence that the RPI would increase its representation, while predicting a decline in Congress seats.
He claimed that Rahul Gandhi's efforts would not restore public confidence in the Congress and said the RPI expected to expand its political influence.
Athawale also said that his association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had enabled him to become a union Minister and expressed hope that the ruling alliance would retain power in the future. He concluded by reiterating that strengthening the RPI and building an inclusive political organisation encompassing all communities remained his party's primary objective.
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Tags: #Ramdas Athawale backs farmers’ loan waiver# Opposes demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
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