Athawale appreciates sacrifice of Maoists but not their violent means

RPI leader says Sharad Pawar can become the future President of India if he joins NDA

Union Minister of State for Social Welfare Ramdas Athawale has appreciated the sacrifices done by Maoists for the interests of Dalit and Adivasi.

Republican Party of India chief and Union Minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale appreciates the sacrifices done by Maoists for the interests of Dalit and Adivasi. (PTI)

Speaking at a press conference in Baramati, Athawale, whose Republican Party of India (RPI) is part of ruling NDA, said that Maoists are working for the upliftment of Dalit and Adivasi. “However, their violent methods are not right. They must join the mainstream,” he said.

Citing example of Maoists in Nepal, the minister said the Maoists in India should realise that violent means would never bring change.

Athawale remarked that NCP supremo Sharad Pawar could become the President of India if he joins NDA. “We will ensure his victory with good margin. Pawar is a realistic person and will remember that the opposition candidate has never won the Presidential election in the history,” he said.