Guwahati, Sep 29 (PTI): Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday said the CJP should change its name to ‘Istifa Janata Party’, asserting that it keeps demanding the resignation of various personalities.
Addressing a press conference here, Athawale said the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was now demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while it had earlier sought the resignation of the Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak.
“The CJP keeps asking only for resignations. They should change its name to Istifa Janata Party,” Athawale, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, said.
Athawale said CJP founder Abhijit Dipke had recently entered the political scene, while he had been active on issues concerning Dalits and other backward classes for years.
“Dipke is from Maharashtra, is a Buddhist and a Dalit. He studied in the US and is new to the field. We are aware of the various issues facing the nation, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is sincerely working hard to resolve them,” Athawale, who is also president of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), said.
Athawale also asserted that Modi would become the prime minister for a fourth consecutive term in 2029.
Referring to Assam’s development, the minister said infrastructure had witnessed rapid growth under Modi’s leadership.
“The initiatives taken by the prime minister have resulted in improved facilities and greater convenience for the people of the state,” he said.
He also appreciated the efforts of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma toward the state’s development and the welfare of its people.
The Union minister asserted that the Centre was committed to the development, welfare and empowerment of all sections of society.
Elaborating on various flagship schemes of the government, Athawale said crores of people across the country, including Assam, have benefitted from Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
He said over 59 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened across the country, including around 2 crore in Assam.
The minister also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), saying around 1.34 crore Mudra loans have been provided in Assam to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Athawale said the government was committed to supporting the educational and economic empowerment of young people.
Scholarships are being provided to eligible students to facilitate their education and enhance their future opportunities, he said.
Athawale said his ministry provides scholarships to more than one crore eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students across the country every year.
During his visit to the state, Athawale was the chief guest at the inauguration of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Bhavan at Chapar in Dhubri district.
The minister said he interacted with locals and elected representatives and paid floral tributes at a statue of Ambedkar.
He expressed hope that the building would serve as a centre for social justice, equality, education, social awareness and empowerment of marginalised sections.
“It is my heartfelt wish that the building plays a pivotal role in spreading Babasaheb’s ideals to every individual,” he said.
