Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale didn’t mince words in condemning the Congress party’s protest at the AI Summit, branding it a shameful act that hurt India’s international standing. In a fiery media interaction, he called out the opposition for their ‘anti-national’ stunt amid a high-profile global conclave.
Organized by the Indian government with PM Modi’s personal invitations, the summit attracted top brass from dozens of nations. Representatives from 80-90 countries converged to discuss AI’s future, making the Congress protest particularly ill-timed and damaging. Athawale painted a vivid picture: world leaders witnessing chaos instead of India’s hospitality and innovation.
He took direct aim at Rahul Gandhi, suggesting the leader’s strategy is self-sabotage for Congress. These protests, he said, prioritize personal agendas over national interests, exposing a deeper anti-India sentiment.
Addressing Maharashtra’s quota row, Athawale laid out facts: Muslims have long enjoyed OBC benefits, with 80% of their castes covered under Mandal recommendations. The EWS quota further aids economically disadvantaged Muslims. Pushing faith-specific reservations flies in the face of constitutional principles and Supreme Court rulings, justifying Maharashtra’s decisions.
Regarding infiltrators, Athawale relayed Amit Shah’s zero-tolerance policy. Illegal stayers get no rights; bogus voter registrations face probes. ‘Infiltrators out of voter lists and out of India,’ Shah has vowed. Voter roll purification combats fraud like ghost voters, ensuring fair polls without political bias.
Athawale also championed Bharat Ratna for Ram Vilas Paswan, reminiscing about their strong bond. A fierce Ambedkarite and social justice warrior, Paswan shaped politics in Bihar and beyond. The demand for this award deserves prompt attention from New Delhi.
Athawale’s broadside reflects escalating NDA-opposition tensions, framing Congress actions as detrimental while bolstering the government’s narrative on development, security, and equity.