Abolish Casteism, and Quota Can Go, Says Union Minister Athawale

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, stated on Wednesday that reservation policies are constitutionally mandated and must remain in force until casteism is completely eliminated from society. Speaking to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur during a day-long visit to Chhattisgarh, the minister asserted that those opposing reservation are acting against the Constitution.

"When casteism ends, we are ready to give up reservation," said Athawale, who also serves as the president of the Republican Party of India (A). He stressed that the policy was originally conceived to strengthen the nation by empowering its weaker sections.

Athawale provided historical context, noting that reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) was enshrined in the Constitution from its inception in 1950. Reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) was introduced later, during the V.P. Singh government in 1990-91. He also acknowledged the Narendra Modi government's subsequent addition of a 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) from communities not covered under existing categories.

Addressing critics, the minister argued that despite the constitutional abolition of untouchability under Article 17, atrocities against Dalits and tribals persist. "Reservation should continue until casteism is eliminated," he stated firmly. He urged those opposed to the quota system to engage in dialogue and present their demands constructively.

In a separate remark, Athawale defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interaction with young voters in Vadodara, where the PM highlighted the government's achievements over the past 12 years. The minister also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of making false statements and misleading the youth.