Mangaluru: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in favour of the constitution. Nobody can change the preamble of Indian constitution. Even we oppose Ananth Kumar Hegde’s anti-constitutional remarks, said Ramdas Bandu Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in the Narendra Modi’s government, on January 20.
Addressing a press meet at Circuit House, Athawale clarified and said, “Narendra Modi’s government is supporting the constitution. Even the BJP has distanced itself from Ananth Kumar’s statement.”
Answering a query on increased attacks on Dalits post NDA government coming to power, he said, “Attacks on Dalits is because of casteism. Government is responsible for it. This is a social issue not a political one. To end casteism we should support inter-caste marriages.”
“Narendra Modi government has taken a crucial decision to give constitutional status to the OBC. Union government in the upcoming budget session will be passing a bill on giving constitutional status to OBC,” he added.
He further said, “According to 2011 census the number physically disabled was 2, 67, 557 crore. Modi government after coming to power, passed a bill to give 4 percent reservation in the service sector and 5 percent reservation in education when compared to 3 percent during the previous government. In 3 years we have conducted 6000 camps to distribute necessary equipment to over 9 lakh physically disabled.”
Commenting on the upcoming assembly elections, Athawale said that the people of Karnataka would support the BJP.
Ramdas Bandu Athawale is a founder of the Republican Party of India, which is an ally to NDA.
