India cannot see Bangladesh or Nepal-style change of power, says Ramdas Athawale

Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale has said that power cannot change suddenly in India as it did in Bangladesh, Nepal or Sri Lanka. According to him, India has the Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and in a democracy a government is formed only through the votes of the people and a majority. He also backed a statement by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Speaking to a news agency in Mumbai, Athawale said citizens in a democracy have the right to agitate against the government. But he said an attempt to bring down a government through agitation, as in Bangladesh, cannot succeed in India. Athawale said a mandate from voters and a majority are necessary for political change. Those who agitate should therefore do so peacefully, he said. He also said nothing would be gained by agitating on wrong issues.

Commenting on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Athawale said he was creating confusion among people, which was not right. He said an agitation had been held at Jantar Mantar over the NEET examination issue, in which the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was demanded. According to Athawale, a strict law on paper leak cases has also been made.

Athawale welcomed the trade agreement between India and New Zealand. He said the agreement would give momentum to the economies of both countries and help create new job opportunities. He said a large number of Indians live in New Zealand, so both countries would benefit from the pact. Athawale said India should enter into similar trade agreements with other countries as well.

Speaking about a post on X by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut, Athawale referred to agitations taking place in Europe. He said violent agitations against government decisions were under way there. On Raut's statement mentioning the burning of a court, Athawale said such incidents cannot happen in India. He also said the opposition was trying to create confusion because it is out of power.

On the occasion of Dussehra, Athawale greeted the people of the country. He said that during Navratri, garba and dandiya events are held in many places including Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi, in which people of all ages take part with enthusiasm. According to Athawale, Dussehra is a historic and revolutionary day.