Raipur: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said Wednesday that opposing affirmative action quotas violates the Constitution, asserting that "when casteism ends, we are ready to give up reservation."

Resisting reservation policies is improper, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment told journalists at Swami Vivekananda Airport upon arriving for a one-day visit to Chhattisgarh.

Responding to ongoing nationwide debates regarding reservation policies, including calls for their removal or structural modification, Athawale explained that affirmative action was enacted to empower society by extending opportunities to marginalised groups.

"When casteism ends, we are ready to give up reservation," said the minister, a prominent Dalit leader who heads the Republican Party of India (A).

He noted that reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was enshrined when the Constitution took effect in 1950, whereas quota provisions for Other Backward Classes were introduced under the V P Singh government in 1990–91.

The Narendra Modi administration subsequently instituted a 10 per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections among those not covered under SC, ST, or OBC categories, he added.

"Reservation is based on caste. Although the Constitution abolished untouchability under Article 17, atrocities against Dalits and tribals still take place. Reservation should continue until casteism is eliminated," Athawale stated.

"If you can end casteism, we are ready to give up reservation. But opposing reservation is not right. It is against the Constitution," he added.

Athawale urged critics of reservation policies to engage in constructive dialogue and present their viewpoints through appropriate channels.

Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with Gen Z and youth in Vadodara on Tuesday, Athawale noted that the Prime Minister had detailed the government's developmental milestones over the past 12 years.

"(Congress MP) Rahul Gandhi always makes false statements. Modi ji has told Gen Z not to pay attention to people making false promises," he said.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's political campaign against the government as "jhooth ki goonj" (echo of lies).

The "jhooth ki goonj" retort appeared directed at the opposition's "Chhatron Ki Goonj" youth engagement campaign, under which events are being held across several cities. Through the initiative, the Congress party has sought to challenge the ruling BJP on issues including competitive exam paper leaks, rising education costs, recruitment irregularities, and unemployment.

Athawale reiterated that the central government remains focused on the welfare of youth, women, underprivileged citizens, and farmers.

"In a democracy, both the ruling party and the Opposition are necessary, and everyone has to work together for the country's progress. But today's Opposition has become merely an institution for criticism," he charged.

The minister added that 25 crore citizens have risen out of poverty during the Modi administration's tenure, emphasising that the central government remains committed to safeguarding the constitutional rights of Dalits.

Later, addressing a news conference in the state capital, Athawale stated that the central government had accepted the demand to conduct a nationwide caste census, accusing past Congress-led administrations of neglecting the issue.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the women's reservation legislation would create wider avenues for women in political leadership.

Athawale also appealed to Gen Z to take an active role in building a drug-free society.

Detailing various central welfare initiatives, he announced that five new medical colleges had been sanctioned for Chhattisgarh and that an Indian Oil bottling plant representing an investment of over Rs 130 crore was planned for Korba.

"Growing central investment in roads, railways, energy and other infrastructure will provide a new impetus to connectivity, industrial activity and trade in the state," he said.

More than one crore Ayushman health cards have been issued in the state, alongside over 41 lakh household tap water connections established as of January 2026.

Under the PM-KISAN income support scheme, over 25 lakh farmers across Chhattisgarh are receiving direct financial transfers, he informed.

Athawale added that 59.15 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts have been opened nationally since the financial inclusion scheme was launched in 2014, including roughly 1.89 crore accounts within Chhattisgarh.

Under the PM Mudra Yojana micro-credit program, more than 60.05 crore beneficiaries have secured loans across the country, with approximately 1.13 crore individuals benefiting within Chhattisgarh, he noted.

Rural households and vulnerable communities continue to benefit from welfare programs such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he concluded.

PTI