Jaipur: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has urged the Rajasthan government to launch a programme to provide five acres of land free of cost to every eligible landless poor rural family, irrespective of caste or community.
Speaking to the media during his visit to Jaipur on Monday, Athawale said the state government should first constitute an expert committee to identify eligible landless families through a survey. If sufficient government land is unavailable, he suggested that land be purchased and distributed among beneficiaries.
Athawale also appealed to wealthy landowners to donate land for the poor, recalling the Bhoodan movement, when large landholders voluntarily donated land. He said he would soon write to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma regarding the proposal.
UCC Will Help Reduce Poverty, Says Athawale
On the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Athawale said the legislation was not against Muslims and claimed that it could contribute to their socio-economic development and help reduce poverty.
He also said that Pakistan and Bangladesh should consider implementing the UCC, arguing that it could contribute to poverty reduction in those countries as well.
‘Modi Will Become PM Again in 2029’
Speaking about the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, Athawale expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would return to power.
“Modi is physically fit and strong. He has done a lot for the development of the country. We will win the 2029 elections and form the NDA government for the fourth time,” he said.
Athawale also claimed that opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, did not have the political strength to defeat the NDA.
RPI to Contest Local Body Elections in Rajasthan
Athawale said his party, the Republican Party of India (RPI), would contest the upcoming panchayat and local body elections in Rajasthan.
He said the party would hold discussions with the BJP state president and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. As an NDA ally, the RPI would field candidates in some constituencies while supporting BJP candidates in others, he added.
Opposition Accused of Disrupting Student Movement
Athawale also criticised the opposition over student protests, alleging that opposition leaders had attempted to politicise and disrupt the movement.
He said student leaders should use democratic and constitutional methods to raise their demands, arguing that violence could not lead to lasting movements. He also said that India was governed by the Constitution and that political issues should be addressed within the constitutional framework.
Rahul Gandhi Cannot Use ‘Fool’ in Parliament, Says Athawale
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks involving the word “fool”, Athawale said such language should not be used in Parliament.
He also accused Gandhi of making allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah with the intention of tarnishing his image.