Hyderabad, Apr 11 (TNT): Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Saturday said the Republican Party of India (RPI) is contesting elections in multiple states while extending support to the BJP-led NDA in key regions.
Addressing a Press Conference here, Athawale said the party is fielding candidates in select states to maintain its political presence, while aligning with the National Democratic Alliance in others.
Athawale expressed confidence that the NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will perform strongly in upcoming elections inclouding Assam and West Bengal , citing welfare schemes and governance initiatives.
He said the RPI’s strategy is aimed at strengthening its organisational base while contributing to the NDA’s overall electoral prospects.
The Union Minister highlighted flagship central schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, stating that they have benefited crores of people across the country.
He said that in Telangana alone, over one crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened and lakhs of beneficiaries have received support under various central schemes.
Athawale said the Centre has taken a decision to conduct a caste-based census, which will provide clarity on the population share of various communities.
He noted that as per the 2011 Census, Scheduled Castes constitute 16.6% and Scheduled Tribes 8.4% of the population, and added that the government has also implemented 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
He also reiterated support for women’s reservation in legislatures, stating that the Centre has taken steps to ensure 33% reservation for women in Parliament and Assemblies.
Athawale criticised opposition parties in certain states and said his party is extending support to the NDA in key regions.
He also stressed that electoral processes are conducted independently by the Election Commission.
TNT TS
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