‘Crossed All Limits’: Ramdas Athawale Demands Apology From CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Over Ambedkar Remarks

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday criticised Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke over his reported remarks concerning Dr BR Ambedkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Athawale objected to Dipke’s reported claim that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had helped bring Ambedkar into prominence. Athawale rejected the assertion, arguing that it overlooked Ambedkar’s contribution to the country and his central role in drafting the Constitution.

Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India (Athawale), also took issue with Dipke’s reported comments about Modi and Fadnavis. He said criticism of elected representatives was a legitimate part of democracy, but alleged that Dipke’s remarks had gone beyond the bounds of responsible political discourse.

“If Dipke does not stop making such statements, the Republican Party will take a strong stand against him,” Athawale said.

The Union minister also referred to the support Dipke has received from sections of students and young people, urging him to use that support to raise public issues rather than make statements that could trigger controversy.

Athawale demanded an apology from Dipke over his remarks concerning Ambedkar and called on him to refrain from what he described as objectionable comments about Modi and Fadnavis.

Defending the Modi government’s development record, Athawale said Dipke’s travels across Maharashtra should give him an opportunity to observe the infrastructure and development work being carried out in the state before criticising the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister.

Athawale said the RPI would take a stronger position if Dipke continued making such remarks, underscoring the growing political disagreement between the two leaders.