Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Asserts NDA Goal for Tamil Nadu Amid Dalit Safety Concerns
In a significant statement from Coimbatore, Union Minister and Republican Party of India (A) national president Ramdas Athawale launched a sharp critique against the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu on Thursday. He emphasized that dalits are facing a lack of protection under the current administration and declared his party's primary objective: to facilitate the establishment of an NDA government in the state. This move, he argued, is crucial to combat the escalating atrocities targeting dalits and women across Tamil Nadu.
Political Alliances and Vijay's Potential Role
Athawale addressed the media, clarifying that while no formal discussions are currently underway with actor-politician Vijay, his party, TVK, could play a pivotal role post-election. He noted that if TVK secures seats in the upcoming polls, its support might be sought to form a stable government. Highlighting Vijay's influence, the minister pointed out that he poses a substantial challenge to the DMK by potentially drawing significant voter support. "While the NDA is aiming for a clear majority, it will welcome Vijay into the alliance to strengthen it further," Athawale stated, underscoring the strategic importance of broader coalitions in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
Historic Steps Towards Gender Equality and Economic Progress
Shifting focus to national issues, Athawale described the upcoming special session of Parliament as a historic milestone in advancing gender equality. He reaffirmed the central government's commitment to the 33% Women's Reservation Bill, linking it to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision as outlined in the original Hindu Code Bill. The minister projected that women could eventually hold up to 273 seats in the Lok Sabha, especially as its strength is expected to increase to 816 members after delimitation. This reservation, he emphasized, will be a major factor in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and the subsequent Tamil Nadu assembly polls.
On the economic front, Athawale praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, noting that India's economy has ascended from the 10th to the fourth largest globally. He highlighted key welfare schemes such as Mudra Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which he credited with lifting over 25 crore people out of poverty. Specifically, he mentioned that four crore houses have already been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with an additional three crore sanctioned, showcasing the government's efforts in addressing housing needs.
Campaign Plans and Future Endeavors
Concluding his remarks, Athawale announced his intention to actively campaign for NDA candidates in several districts, including Madurai, Tirupur, Namakkal, and Dindigul. This campaign effort aligns with his broader goal of bolstering the NDA's presence in Tamil Nadu and addressing the concerns of marginalized communities through political change.
