At a recent rally in Navi Mumbai, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale took a sharp jab at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi?s claims that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could alter India?s Constitution if it remained in power. Addressing supporters in Kamothe, Athawale rebuked Gandhi?s assertion as ?baseless,? emphasizing the unchangeable foundation of the Constitution created by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
"No one?s bapacha baap (father?s father) can change the Constitution," Athawale declared, underscoring that not even Gandhi?s ?bapacha bapacha baap? could alter the nation?s founding legal document. The Union Minister, who is also the president of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), spoke in support of BJP MLA Prashant Thakur ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, expressing confidence in the BJP?s dedication to preserving the Constitution?s integrity.
In his speech, Athawale argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s actions consistently demonstrate a commitment to Dr. Ambedkar?s principles. "How can someone like Narendra Modi, who takes an oath by bowing before the Constitution, be accused of wanting to change it?" Athawale questioned, defending Modi?s respect for democratic institutions and pointing out that the Prime Minister?s leadership has elevated an OBC (Other Backward Class) representative to the nation?s highest office.
Athawale attributed Gandhi?s electoral losses to what he called ?misleading narratives? spread during Congress campaigns, contending that these tactics have consistently failed to resonate with voters. Reflecting on his own political journey, Athawale credited his alliance with the BJP and Modi?s leadership for the growth of his party, particularly noting their successes at a national level, including recent gains in Nagaland, where his party won MLA seats.
Addressing the Muslim community, Athawale appealed for unity, urging them not to be influenced by what he described as ?fear tactics? propagated by the opposition. He promised to support the community against any marginalization attempts, reiterating his commitment to inclusivity under the BJP-led alliance.
Concluding his speech, Athawale rallied voters to support BJP MLA Prashant Thakur, emphasizing that his community, and all of Maharashtra, knows which leaders can be trusted to uphold their rights. The Minister?s statements come as Maharashtra?s election season gains momentum, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance seeking to reinforce its base amid opposition critiques.
