If You Can End Casteism, We Are Ready to Give Up Reservation: Ramdas Athawale

Ramdas Athawale Defends Reservation

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday said reservation should continue until casteism is eliminated from Indian society.

Speaking to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur during his visit to Chhattisgarh, Athawale said opposing reservation was not appropriate and described such opposition as being against the Constitution.

The Republican Party of India (A) leader made the remarks amid an ongoing national debate over caste-based reservation and demands for changes or an end to the quota system.

“If Casteism Ends, We Are Ready to Give Up Reservation”

Athawale said reservation was introduced to provide opportunities to weaker sections and strengthen the country.

“When casteism ends, we are ready to give up reservation,” he said, while arguing that caste-based discrimination continues to affect marginalised communities.

He pointed out that although the Constitution abolished untouchability under Article 17, incidents of discrimination and atrocities against Dalits and tribal communities continue.

According to Athawale, reservation therefore remains necessary until casteism is eliminated.

Athawale Calls Opposition to Reservation Unconstitutional

The Union minister said those demanding an end to reservation should engage in dialogue and present their concerns rather than simply opposing the policy.

He argued that reservation was created as a mechanism to provide representation and opportunities to historically disadvantaged sections of society.

Athawale's comments come amid recurring political debates over the future of reservation and the role of caste in determining access to education, employment and political representation.

SC, ST and OBC Reservation

Athawale noted that reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was provided when the Constitution came into force in 1950.

He said reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) was subsequently introduced during the V P Singh government in 1990-91. He also referred to the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) introduced by the Narendra Modi government for eligible people outside the SC, ST and OBC categories.

Athawale Backs Caste Census

During his Chhattisgarh visit, Athawale also said that the Centre had accepted the demand for a caste census.

He credited the government with taking the decision and criticised previous Congress governments for not accepting the demand earlier.

The caste census has emerged as a major political issue, with parties debating how updated caste data could influence welfare policies, representation and reservation.

Minister Highlights Government Welfare Schemes

Athawale also highlighted several welfare and development initiatives of the Narendra Modi government.

He said the Centre was working for the welfare of youth, women, farmers and poorer sections. He cited schemes including Ayushman Bharat, PM-KISAN, Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Mudra Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

He also said that five new medical colleges had been approved for Chhattisgarh and highlighted planned investments in roads, railways, energy and other infrastructure.

Athawale Criticises Opposition

Athawale also criticised the Opposition while praising the Modi government's record.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interaction with Gen Z and young people in Vadodara, he accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making false statements. He said both the ruling party and Opposition have an important role in a democracy but alleged that the current Opposition had become focused mainly on criticism.

Reservation Debate Remains Politically Significant

Athawale's latest remarks underline his position that reservation cannot be separated from the continuing presence of caste-based discrimination in India.

His statement effectively places the end of casteism as a condition for ending reservation, rather than supporting an immediate withdrawal of the policy. The comments are likely to keep the broader debate over caste, social justice and affirmative action in the political spotlight.