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.
November 05, 2025 7:40 pm
Earlier, Opposition leaders met the Election Commission in Delhi to complain against irregularities in electoral rolls.
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.
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.
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.
January 29, 2025 5:30 am
We also demand that strict action, without fail, must be taken against the perpetrators, added Kharge.
September 18, 2024 5:05 pm
On Maratha reservation, Ramdas Athawale said his party was the first to raise the issue.
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.
July 30, 2023 9:49 pm
Talking to PTI, Athawale said Nitish Kumar was part of the NDA earlier and despite the BJP getting more seats in the assembly elections in Bihar last time, he was made the chief minister.
July 23, 2023 2:46 pm
Although the lighter moments were always captured in the House records, this is the first time they are being made accessible to the general public at the click of the mouse.
July 13, 2023 12:46 am
Athawale was addressing mediapersons after reviewing the implementation of various schemes of his ministry in Gujarat.
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


