Ramdas Athawale Seeks Apology From CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Over Ambedkar Remarks

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

Speaking in Mumbai on Friday, Athawale took exception to Dipke’s reported statement that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru played a role in bringing Ambedkar into prominence. Athawale dismissed the claim, saying it failed to adequately acknowledge Ambedkar’s contribution to India and his pivotal role in framing the Constitution.

The RPI (Athawale) chief also criticised Dipke’s remarks targeting Modi and Fadnavis. While acknowledging that elected leaders can be criticised in a democracy, Athawale alleged that Dipke had crossed the line of responsible political debate.

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

Athawale also referred to Dipke’s growing support among sections of students and young people, saying that influence should be channelled towards constructive public issues rather than controversial remarks.

The Union minister demanded that Dipke apologise for his comments about Ambedkar and urged him to avoid what he called objectionable statements against Modi and Fadnavis.

Defending the Modi government’s development record, Athawale said Dipke, who has been travelling across Maharashtra, should take note of the infrastructure and development projects underway in the state before criticising its leadership.

Athawale reiterated that the RPI would adopt a tougher stance if Dipke continued with similar remarks, further intensifying the ongoing political clash between the two sides.