The move is likely to create friction within the NDA, as the BJP has consistently opposed private sector quotas
MUMBAI/NEW DELHI — Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale on Thursday announced that his party will launch a nationwide agitation on October 15 demanding reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the private sector.
Speaking at the conclusion of the party’s two-day brainstorming camp in Mumbai, Athawale said, “Reservation must be included under the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to prevent it from being struck down. Promotion quotas, which other states have implemented as per Supreme Court orders, must also be enforced in Maharashtra.”
The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment also backed activist Manoj Jarange’s demand for Maratha quota but clarified that it should not affect OBC reservation.
Athawale further demanded cancellation of the ‘permanently unaided’ status of schools and colleges, appointment of at least two vice-chancellors from Buddhist or backward communities, and increasing the OBC and EBC annual income ceiling from ₹8 lakh to ₹12 lakh.
He said the party passed 25 resolutions on issues concerning students, slum dwellers, nomadic and denotified tribes, and other marginalised groups. Other demands include more scholarships and support for Dalit and backward youth to join the cooperative sector.
“The RPI works for all 140 crore citizens of India, taking every caste and religion along. Our workers must intensify agitations on public issues and expand the party’s base,” Athawale said.
The move is likely to create friction within the NDA, as the BJP has consistently opposed private sector quotas, and many NDA allies represent Dalit communities.
