Mumbai, August 14: Central Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, recently spoke about Rahul Gandhi’s comments on foreign policy, condemned the attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal, and addressed the proposal to make Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers.
Athawale remarked on Gandhi’s comments regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italy’s Prime Minister, stating, “Making jokes has become a business for Rahul Gandhi. He should fulfill his responsibilities. The leader of the opposition should not mock others; those who do become the subject of ridicule themselves. Rahul was once called ‘Pappu.’ It is good that the Congress party won 99 seats in 2024, allowing them to become the opposition leader.”
He emphasized that opposing everything is not democracy. Gandhi should cease his statements against the Prime Minister. If he continues this way, by 2029, the public will mock Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Athawale stated, “I believe that India’s relations with all countries are good. There is a friendship between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi. The United States is a significant country that can play a crucial role in our economic progress. Thanks to Modi, our economy is now ranked fourth. Our relations with the U.S. and Russia are strong. It is inappropriate for Rahul Gandhi to make jokes about foreign policy.”
Regarding the opposition’s disruption of Parliament, Athawale noted that Rahul Gandhi has become arrogant. He can only become a good leader by shedding this arrogance. If relations with all countries are good, he should not jeopardize them.
On the attack against Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Athawale said, “This is a very important gurdwara, where Sikhs from all corners of India and the world come. It is a sacred place. After the Golden Temple in Amritsar, this gurdwara in Nanded is among the most significant. Sukhbir Singh Badal, son of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, was attacked while visiting the gurdwara. The motive for the attack is still unclear, but it is not good for a young member of the Sikh community to attack a leader from the same community. A thorough investigation is underway, and the police have arrested the assailant.”
Targeting Priyanka Kharge, Athawale stated, “Tiranga rallies are happening across the country. Recently, there was an event in Parliament attended by all ministers, where we hoisted the Tiranga. I was also present with the Prime Minister. The Tiranga is a matter of great pride and honor for us. When the Tiranga waves, our strength increases significantly. Wherever our army and BSF personnel are present, and wherever the Tiranga flies, it empowers us.”
On making Marathi mandatory, Athawale remarked that Mumbai is India’s financial capital. People from all over the country come here. The film industry and large industries are based here. Therefore, I believe it is inappropriate to create a dispute between Hindi and Marathi. It is not right to pressure those who do not speak Marathi. Gradually, auto-rickshaw drivers and others are learning to speak Marathi, but abruptly canceling permits is not appropriate. About 80 percent of the migrants residing here speak Marathi.
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