📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Politics
NDA ally Ramdas Athawale says he'll drop reservation if casteism ends
✍️ indiatoday.in
🗓 09 Sep 2026, 03:04 PM
👁 24
Ramdas Athawale, a member of the ruling NDA coalition, announced he is prepared to forgo reservation benefits if caste‑based discrimination is eliminated.
Ramdas Athawale, a senior leader allied with the National Democratic Alliance, stated publicly that he would be willing to relinquish his reservation entitlement should caste‑based prejudice be eradicated in India.
The declaration touches on the long‑standing reservation system, which provides affirmative action benefits to historically disadvantaged castes and communities. Athawale linked the continuation of these benefits to the persistence of caste discrimination, suggesting that the two issues are interdependent.
His remarks, made without specifying a timeline or procedural details, underscore a broader political debate about the future of reservation policies in a society striving for social equality. The statement may influence ongoing discussions within the NDA and among opposition parties regarding reforms to the affirmative action framework.
The declaration touches on the long‑standing reservation system, which provides affirmative action benefits to historically disadvantaged castes and communities. Athawale linked the continuation of these benefits to the persistence of caste discrimination, suggesting that the two issues are interdependent.
His remarks, made without specifying a timeline or procedural details, underscore a broader political debate about the future of reservation policies in a society striving for social equality. The statement may influence ongoing discussions within the NDA and among opposition parties regarding reforms to the affirmative action framework.