Athawale hopes for another term in Rajya Sabha

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The union Minister of State (MoS) Ramdas Athawale said that his term in the Rajya Sabha runs until April 3 and have been a member of this house for the past 12 years. “If I am given another opportunity, I could create a record. However, my name has not yet been announced. Still, I am confident that I will certainly be given a chance,” hoped Athawale, who was in the city to attend the World Buddhist Dhamma Conference, on Friday.

Speaking to media persons, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, getting the opportunity to enter the Rajya Sabha had helped the Republican Party of India (RPI) expand in other states. However, in Maharashtra, we are not given opportunities. At least two members of parliament must be elected for a party to gain official recognition. If Balasaheb Ambedkar and I come together, it would ensure a bright future for the community. But Balasaheb does not agree to this. He continues to make efforts in elections but has not been able to secure the expected votes, he said.

Athawale continued, “Recently, elections were held for municipal corporations, municipal councils and zilla parishads. Not a single one of our party workers was elected. With the introduction of the prabhag system, this has become difficult. We demand that the prabhag system be scrapped. We will raise this demand with the Chief Minister and are prepared to approach the court if necessary.” “The Mahabodhi Mahavihar should be handed over to the Buddhists, and the law governing the Mahavihar should be amended. The chairman of the Mahavihar should be a Buddhist, and all trustees should be Buddhists. In this regard, we have met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Four months ago, we also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister,” said Athawale.

CID inquiry should be conducted

Anushka Patole was studying at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Latur. She was severely beaten by staff after being accused of theft. However, the superintendent of police (SP) stated that she had died by suicide. Her mother, however, claims that it was not suicide but murder. Two persons have been arrested. All responsible staff members should be charged with murder. A CID inquiry should be conducted into the matter, and we will write to the chief minister regarding this, he stressed.