Civil Felicitation for Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale on Completing 10 Years in Office
Mumbai, August 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, describing him as a leader who represents struggle, coordination and the effective propagation of Ambedkarite thought.
Athawale was felicitated by Chief Minister Fadnavis at an event held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai to mark his completion of 10 years as a Union Minister of State. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode, MLA Pravin Darekar, Athawale’s family members and supporters were present.
Fadnavis said Athawale had established an independent identity through social activism, organisational work and people-oriented politics. He described Athawale’s journey from the Dalit Panthers movement to national politics as that of a committed activist who has consistently fought for the issues of ordinary people.
According to Fadnavis, although Athawale’s leadership emerged from struggle, he never allowed bitterness to become part of his personality. His ability to maintain dialogue with all sections of society, develop cordial relations with leaders across political parties and connect with people has been a major strength behind his success.
Fadnavis also highlighted Athawale’s efforts concerning memorials dedicated to Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the preservation of Ambedkar’s historic residence in London. He said Athawale had consistently promoted social justice, equality and constitutional values without compromising on the principles of Dr Ambedkar.
Athawale a True Follower of Dr Ambedkar: Eknath Shinde
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde congratulated Athawale on completing a decade as Union Minister and described him as a true follower of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and an effective leader of the social justice movement.
Shinde said Athawale had successfully headed the Union Ministry of Social Justice for the past 10 years and worked to ensure that government schemes reached the most disadvantaged sections of society. He also credited Athawale with contributing to initiatives ranging from increased scholarships for students from backward communities to welfare programmes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.
Referring to Athawale’s journey from the Dalit Panthers movement to Parliament, Shinde said he had consistently upheld Ambedkarite ideals and taken a firm stand for protecting constitutional values. He also mentioned Athawale’s efforts towards the development of Deekshabhoomi, the Dr Ambedkar memorial in London and various issues concerning social justice.
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said Athawale had established himself not merely as a minister but as a popular leader working to secure justice for people at the grassroots. He praised Athawale’s contribution to the welfare of disadvantaged communities and expressed hope that he would be entrusted with greater responsibilities in the future.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said completing 10 consecutive years in the Union Council of Ministers was a significant achievement. He said Athawale had earned the confidence of ordinary, poor and marginalised sections through his long struggle, beginning with the Dalit Panthers movement.
Bhujbal said Athawale had strengthened the Ambedkarite movement across Maharashtra by following Dr Ambedkar’s message of “educate, organise and agitate”. He also recalled Athawale’s role in the struggle over the renaming of Marathwada University and other social issues.
Deputy Speaker Anna Bansode described Athawale’s political and social journey from Sangli’s Krantibhoomi to the leadership of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), the legislature, Parliament and the Union government as inspirational. He said Athawale had played an important role in spreading the message of Ambedkarite thought and social equality across the country.
MLA Pravin Darekar described Athawale as one of the most popular leaders of the Ambedkarite movement, with a strong connection with ordinary people. He praised Athawale’s ability to maintain patience, coordination and friendship even in changing political circumstances.
Athawale Thanks Leaders and Supporters
Responding to the felicitation, Ramdas Athawale recalled his political and social journey and said he had entered public life inspired by Dr Ambedkar’s vision of social, economic and political justice.
He said that from the Dalit Panthers movement to the Maharashtra Cabinet, Parliament and the Union Council of Ministers, he had consistently attempted to work for ordinary people, disadvantaged communities and weaker sections.
Athawale said his decision to work with the National Democratic Alliance was guided by the interests of society and the objective of fulfilling Dr Ambedkar’s vision. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for their cooperation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to social justice, equality and development and expressed gratitude to Republican Party workers across the country, saying their support had made his long political journey possible.
