Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, has been sharply criticised for imploring Dalit youths to join the Indian Army so that they can drink rum instead of country-made liquor.
The members of Opposition parties ‘strongly objected’ to Mr. Athawale’s comments made while advocating the need for reservation for Dalits in the armed forces during a press conference in Pune on Sunday.
Mr. Athawale said, “We have been demanding reservation for Dalit youths in the Army, Navy and Air Force because the community is a fighter and ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.”
Mahesh Tapase, seniorNationalist Congress Party spokesperson, said: “He has made a mockery of himself. Instead of starting de-addiction initiatives among Dalit youths, he is promoting intoxicants. This is contrary to what his Ministry preaches.”