Latest news with #RepublicanPartyofIndia


Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Attacks on Dalits increased in AP, alleges RPI chief
Republican Party of India (RPI), Andhra Pradesh president Dr Uppuleti Deviprasad accused the state government of failing to address the rising attacks on Dalits, thereby compromising their safety. Speaking at a press conference at the RPI state office here on Wednesday, he alleged that the ruling coalition is deliberately fuelling divisions among Dalit sub-castes, instigating violence. Deviprasad cited specific incidents to support his claims. In Aravalli village, Attili mandal of West Godavari district, he alleged that Madiga youth, backed by influential government figures, attacked five Mala youth. He criticised the police for filing superficial cases to downplay the incident. Similarly, in Jakkulanekkalam village, Gannavaram mandal, Krishna district, he claimed the government incited Madigas against Malas, leading to clashes. Dr Deviprasad expressed shock that such incidents are occurring under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's leadership. He also condemned the public beating of two Dalit youth and one minority youth by police in Tenali, Guntur district, calling it unacceptable and accusing the police of fabricating false cases. He highlighted the case of Perikala Madhu, a 33-year-old Dalit from Tummuluru, Kollipara mandal, who allegedly committed suicide due to harassment by Gayam Siva Reddy over a repaid Rs 50,000 loan. Further, he alleged that followers of TDP leader Ginjupalli Venkateswara Rao injured Dalit individuals Emella Sharath Babu and Emella Ramaswamy in Yanamadala village, Guntur district. He also recalled a disturbing incident in Kuppam, the Chief Minister's constituency, where a Dalit woman was tied to a tree and beaten, questioning the safety of Dalits in the state. During the press conference, Dr Deviprasad announced key RPI appointments: G Ramarao and Bandi Kanaka Varaprasad as state vice-presidents, Ramanjaneyulu as state general secretary, Kookatlapalli Prasad and Pilli Raju as executive secretaries, Kanapalli Vinay Babu as Guntur district coordinator, Pradeep Bonigala as Guntur district president, Nallapu Neelambaram as Guntur city branch president, Kala Mahar as State Student Wing president, Arun Kumar as social media wing president, Chinthapalli Nagaraju as Krishna district Youth Wing president, and Jammi Solomon as Tadipatri constituency In-charge.


Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Naxals should embrace Ambedkarvad, says Athawale
Kolhapur: Union minister of social justice Ramdas Athawale , while speaking in Kolhapur on Tuesday, urged all naxals to renounce violence and embrace "Ambedkarvad" — the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Athawale, who is also the president of the Republican Party of India (RPI), clarified that the Jan Suraksha Act, passed by the state legislature, is not intended to suppress democratic movements. "Instead its target is violent and undemocratic movements like naxalism. Simply expressing dissent through writing or speaking against the govt would not lead to action under this Act," he said. "The method of naxals is to backstab. We were never called naxals when we hit the streets. The way naxals carry out their movement is totally wrong. The govt should not interpret Ambedkarites as naxalites. We are different in ideology and means," he added. On being asked about the likelihood of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray coming together for the Mumbai municipal election, Athawale said, "Now, there are 60% non-Marathis in Mumbai, and they are against Raj. Both Thackerays will get votes only from Marathi people. We will easily defeat them in the election."


Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘No place for bullying in name of language, caste or region'
1 2 Prayagraj: The Republican Party of India (RPI), under the leadership of union minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale , reaffirmed its support for the rights and dignity of North Indians in Maharashtra. Speaking at a press conference held at the Circuit House in Prayagraj on Wednesday, Athawale emphasised that RPI always stood firmly against violence or discrimination faced by North Indians in the state. "Whenever North Indians were subjected to violence or injustice, RPI protested with full force," Athawale said. "Mumbai is a city of diversity and unity. While we take pride in the Marathi language, at the same time, no one has the right to assault any one in the name of language or region. Such actions are an insult to the Indian Constitution and an affront to our social culture," he said. He stressed that true adherence to Dr BR Ambedkar's ideology lies in following path of equality, education, and brotherhood. "There is no place for bullying in the name of language, caste, or region," Athawale added. Highlighting the work of RPI in state, Athawale stated that the party is not only focused on political expansion but is also deeply committed to social justice, equality, and the right to education. "In a vast and socially diverse state like Uttar Pradesh, the role of RPI is crucial," he said. He reiterated that the party is working to fulfil Ambedkar's dream of an India where every section of society enjoys equal rights.


Hans India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Ramdas Athawale slams Raj Thackeray over Hindi language row, urges end to ‘gundagardi'
Union Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale on Sunday strongly criticized Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and his party workers over their recent stance on the Hindi language and the violent incidents targeting Hindi-speaking citizens in Mumbai. Athawale called for an immediate end to "gundagardi" (hooliganism) and warned that such actions would damage Mumbai's cosmopolitan status. Reacting to the ongoing controversy around the state government's decision, later withdrawn, to impose Marathi in educational institutions, Athawale, told IANS, emphasised that Hindi is the most spoken language in India and is rightfully considered the Rajbhasha (official language). 'Opposing Hindi is not appropriate. Hindi is spoken by the majority of people in the country. It is not a threat to Marathi,' he said. On the reunion of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, Athawale took a sceptical tone, saying, 'They've come together over the Marathi issue, but who knows how long they'll stay united?' He urged Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to remember Bal Thackeray's inclusive vision, which involved forming wings for different communities across India, and condemned MNS for 'attacking Hindus instead.' Commenting on reports of MNS workers assaulting Hindi-speaking individuals and posting videos online, Athawale warned, 'If they slap others, they must remember that they too could be slapped someday.' He urged Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action against such vigilante-style violence. Athawale also dismissed Raj Thackeray's earlier remarks that Hindi-speaking states are weaker than Maharashtra. 'Mumbai is India's economic backbone, and that pride is shared by everyone—Marathis and non-Marathis alike,' he said. 'During British times too, Mumbai held special status. Marathas have contributed immensely, but non-Marathi people, including many businessmen, have played a vital role in building Mumbai.' He also stated that the Maharashtra government must ensure the safety of all citizens and that politics should not be used to divide people along linguistic lines. sas/dan


Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Two FIRs under the Atrocities Act registered against ex-MP Jaleel
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Two FIRs were registered against former MP Syed Imtiaz Jaleel in the 24 hours ending Friday for allegedly using a discriminatory word against district guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat during a press conference, days after he made serious allegations against Shirsat's family over land acquisitions. Police said the two FIRs were registered at Kranti Chowk and Osmanpura police stations. Officers said they also received complaints on similar lines at different police stations, including Vedantnagar, but no decision was made to register fresh FIRs. Jaleel told TOI, "I just want Shirsat to reply to the questions I have raised about the huge moveable and immovable assets he has amassed. Unable to silence me, he is using police machinery to file such cases against me. I am ready to face all the consequences until all such elements are exposed." Police said based on the complaint lodged by Laxman Hivrale, an office-bearer of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), the Kranti Chowk police registered an FIR on Thursday night. In this FIR, Section 3 (1) of the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was invoked against Jaleel. On Friday, the assistant commissioner of police (City) issued directives to the Kranti Chowk police inspector for conducting a preliminary inquiry into the case and submit a report to him. The FIR was registered after a large number of Shirsat's supporters gathered at the police station on Thursday afternoon. The list of those who gathered included Jaleel's former loyalist Arun Borde, who said he intended to get FIRs registered across the state. "Though the second FIR was registered at Osmanpura police station, it will be merged with the first one registered at Kranti Chowk. The law is clear that there cannot be two FIRs for one violation, for which a person was already booked," said a senior police officer from the city police. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .