Key facts
- Union Minister Ramdas Athawale predicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi will win the 2029 and 2034 general elections.
- Athawale stated that his party's support guarantees power.
- He highlighted the NDA government's secular approach and commitment to Uttarakhand's development.
- Projects worth Rs 40,000 crore are planned for Uttarakhand.
- Universities must adhere to constitutional reservation quotas for SC, ST, OBC, and specially-abled students.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to win the 2029 general elections, stating that his party's alignment is crucial for securing power. Athawale, speaking at a press conference in Dehradun, predicted that Modi would lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to victory not only in 2029 but also in 2034, potentially extending his time in office to over 25 years.
Athawale, whose Republican Party of India (Athawale) is part of the NDA, humorously remarked that whoever he sides with gains power while the opposition loses it. He also took a jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him an 'expert in daily criticism' and expressing confidence that the opposition would remain in its current position after the next elections.
Highlighting the NDA government's secular credentials, Athawale refuted claims of bias, asserting that the administration serves all communities equally. He emphasized the government's commitment to Uttarakhand's development, announcing projects worth Rs 40,000 crore for the state in the financial year 2026-27, including provisions for eco-friendly trekking and infrastructure improvements for Char Dham routes.
Regarding education and employment, Athawale stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional reservation quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and specially-abled students in university admissions. He noted the expansion of educational institutions like IITs and IIMs under the current government. When questioned about the absence of state minister status for his party members in Uttarakhand, Athawale deferred to the chief minister and BJP leadership, stating his party's focus on organizational expansion.