Ramdas Athawale

Republican Party of India (ATHAWALE)

DOB 25 Dec 1959

Age 66 years

birth palce Sangli district/Maharashtra

profession Politician

Ramdas Athawale biography

Ramdas Athawale, a prominent figure in Indian politics, stands out for his distinctive blend of activism and politics. Born on December 25, 1959, in Maharashtra, India, Athawale's journey from a humble background to becoming a prominent leader reflects his resilience and determination.

Athawale's political career began in the late 1970s when he became associated with the Dalit Panther movement, which sought to address caste-based discrimination and oppression in Indian society.

In 1990, Athawale founded the Republican Party of India (A), with the 'A' signifying 'Athawale.' The party positioned itself as a voice for the oppressed and disadvantaged sections of society, advocating for their empowerment and welfare.

Athawale's rise to prominence culminated in his appointment as Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in the Indian government in 2016. He still holds the same portfolia in Modi-led NDA government.

The Rajya Sabha MP Athawale was re-elected in April 2022. He has also been a Lok Sabha MP from 2004 - 2009, 1999-2004 and 1998 - 99. In 1990 - 95, he held a key portfolio of Cabinet Minister, Social Welfare and Transport, Employment Guarantee Scheme and Prohibition Propaganda in Maharashtra state government.

Ramdas Athawale personal life

Father

Bandu Bapu Athawale

Mother

Honsabai Bandu Athawale

Spouse

Seema Ramdas Athawale

Education

Graduate

News
Videos

RAMDAS ATHAWALE NEWS

RPI (A) leader Anil More dies after being hacked at Pimpri Chinchwad bar; police probe past dispute angle

May 15, 2026 11:39 am

Anil More, the Maharashtra president of the RPI (A)’s workers’ wing, was at Yuvraj Restaurant and Bar in Moshi on Wednesday when two men attacked him. RPI (A) party workers have demanded that the accused be arrested soon.

(From right to left) National general secretary Vinod Tawde and Union minister Ramdas Athawale.

Caste balance, loyalty drive BJP’s Rajya Sabha picks from Maharashtra: Vinod Tawde, Ramdas Athawale among candidates

March 04, 2026 2:59 pm

The BJP sprung a surprise by nominating former Nagpur mayor Maya Ivnate and former NCP leader Ramrao Wadkute.

Republican Party of India (Athawale) president and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. (Express Photo)

BJP likely to nominate Ramdas Athawale for third term in Rajya Sabha

February 23, 2026 9:11 pm

Athawale got a Rajya Sabha seat in 2014. In July 2016, he was made Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. He continues to hold post after the 2019 and 2024 general elections.

'Excess voting' allegations by Opp: 'Why didn't Opp parties' poll agents raise objections during elections?': Athawale defends BJP

November 05, 2025 7:40 pm

Earlier, Opposition leaders met the Election Commission in Delhi to complain against irregularities in electoral rolls.

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, ramdas athawale, br gavai,

‘CJI attacked because he is Dalit, there has never been such an attack before’: Union minister Athawale

October 10, 2025 5:50 am

The Union minister demanded that a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be registered against Kishore.

Ramdas Athawale on Aurangzeb tomb and Kunal Kamra controversy

Aurangzeb died in 1707... why remove his tomb now? But Muslims should keep distance: Union minister Ramdas Athawale

March 29, 2025 7:28 am

“Kunal Kamra is a good artiste and has a good sense of humour. But words like gaddar (traitor) should not be used. Comedy is fine, but he should have been careful about the language he used. He should not have sung that song,” says Athawale.

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Debate on union Budget in rajya sabha: Opp alleges bias in allocations

February 14, 2025 1:42 am

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar appreciated the former PM, saying at this age his presence not only in the House but also in committees was very encouraging.

Kharge demands AAP govt’s apology: ‘Uses Ambedkar for politics, fails to protect values’

January 29, 2025 5:30 am

We also demand that strict action, without fail, must be taken against the perpetrators, added Kharge.

Union Social Justice minister Ramdas Athawale

Athawale blames Ajit Pawar for RPI (A) not getting place in Maharashtra cabinet

September 18, 2024 5:05 pm

On Maratha reservation, Ramdas Athawale said his party was the first to raise the issue.

Delhi Confidential, Ramdas Athawale, Delhi Police, India Space Congress, Inspace chairperson Pawan Goenka, Indian express news, current affairs

Delhi Confidential: Poll ‘Promise’

June 27, 2024 1:44 am

RPI(A) chief and MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale is known for his one liners and tongue-in-cheek humour. His ability to lighten the mood in serious situations was on display on Wednesday at an event on Drug-Free India Movement.

RAMDAS ATHAWALE VIDEOS

Idea Exchange With Ramdas Athawale

June 22, 2020 6:19 pm

A prominent Dalit leader from Maharashtra, Ramdas Athawale has been raising the issues concerning the Dalits in the government. In this edition of Idea Exchange, he talks about the community’s issues and answers questions on how India can counter cas