Correspondent, 26 October: Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale has posed a direct question to the Congress party, asking why Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were introduced when Rajiv Gandhi was in power if they truly preferred the ballot paper system. Speaking at a taluka-level gathering of the Republican Party of India organized in Khed, Ratnagiri district, Athawale advised Congress to stop spreading false propaganda about EVMs and instead focus on coming to power by securing a majority.
Athawale pointed out that when Congress formed governments in states like Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh, his side never made accusations that votes were stolen through EVMs. He emphasized that the party which manages to secure the majority figure has the rightful claim to sit in power.
The minister also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding an alleged audio clip suggesting that ₹500 crore was given to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil. Athawale stated that false discussions are circulating claiming the BJP paid money to end Jarange’s agitation, adding that it is inappropriate to defame anyone in such a manner. He demanded an inquiry into the audio clip.
Previously, Jarange Patil had reacted to the allegations by stating he had not accepted a single penny. Calling it a conspiracy to defame the Maratha reservation agitation, Jarange Patil had demanded a fair and thorough investigation into the matter.
Issuing a strong warning, Athawale declared that altering the Constitution is not an easy task. He stated that he would not sit quietly without destroying those who attempt to change Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution. He noted that the country’s power or its Constitution cannot be changed merely through agitations.
Expressing his firm belief, Athawale said that constitutional rule will persist in India and the country’s situation will not be allowed to become like Bangladesh.
Advising the opposition, Athawale said that those who wish to govern should go before the public in the 2029 elections, change people’s minds, and secure their votes. During the gathering, he also claimed that the Modi government has completely transformed the country over a 12-year period.
