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Athawale objected to Dipke’s reported statement that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had helped bring Ambedkar into prominence

The Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief also criticised Dipke for his remarks about PM Modi and CM Fadnavis. File pic/PTI
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, on Friday warned Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke against making what he described as “irresponsible” and “disrespectful” remarks about Dr BR Ambedkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Speaking with reporters in Mumbai, Athawale objected to Dipke’s reported statement that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had helped bring Ambedkar into prominence.
Athawale rejected the claim, saying it failed to recognise Ambedkar’s contribution to the country. He said Ambedkar’s role in drafting the Constitution had been central to India’s democratic journey and development.
The Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief also criticised Dipke for his remarks about PM Modi and CM Fadnavis. Athawale said criticism of elected representatives was part of democracy, but alleged that Dipke’s comments had crossed the limits of responsible political discourse.
“If Dipke does not stop making such statements, the Republican Party will take a strong stand against him,” Athawale said.
Athawale also referred to the support Dipke has received from sections of students and young people. He said such support should be used constructively and urged the CJP founder to focus on public issues instead of making statements that, according to him, could create unnecessary controversy.
Athawale further demanded that Dipke apologise for his remarks concerning Ambedkar. He also urged him to refrain from what he described as objectionable comments against Modi and Fadnavis.
At A Glance
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale warned Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke against making ‘disrespectful’ remarks.
Athawale objected to Dipke’s reported statement that Jawaharlal Nehru helped bring Dr BR Ambedkar into prominence.
Athawale criticised Dipke’s remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Athawale demanded that Dipke apologise for his remarks concerning Ambedkar.
The Republican Party of India (Athawale) will take a strong stand if Dipke continues making such statements.
Defending the Modi government’s development record, Athawale said Dipke had been travelling across Maharashtra and should take note of the development and infrastructure work in the state before criticising the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister.
Athawale said the RPI would adopt a stronger position if Dipke continued making such remarks.
The comments come amid a political disagreement between Athawale and Dipke, with the RPI leader making it clear that he expects Dipke to exercise restraint in his remarks concerning Ambedkar and elected political leaders.
Quick Answers
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale demanded an apology from CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke for making what he termed “irresponsible” and “disrespectful” remarks regarding Dr. BR Ambedkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Athawale specifically objected to Dipke’s claim that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru brought Ambedkar into prominence, calling it a failure to recognise Ambedkar’s central contribution to India’s democratic journey and the drafting of the Constitution.
About the Author

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @…Read More
October 03, 2026, 17:31 IST
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