Ramdas Athawale demands sedition charges against those opposing reservation

Union minister Ramdas Athawale has called for sedition charges against people opposing reservation or demanding its abolition, arguing that the quota system is a constitutional right.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Republican Party of India (Athawale) president said recent anti-reservation demonstrations, including a gathering at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, had once again brought the issue into focus.

Athawale also referred to campaigns on social media seeking the removal or modification of the existing reservation system.

“Opposition to reservation is opposition to the Constitution. Those taking an anti-reservation stand are anti-constitutional and stringent action of sedition should be taken against them,” he said.

The minister maintained that reservation could not be abolished because it was guaranteed under the Constitution.

His remarks came after protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar carrying banners, posters and saffron flags and raised slogans against caste-based reservation. They demanded that economic circumstances be prioritised over caste while determining eligibility for reservation and other government support.

Delhi Police said no individual or organisation had been granted permission to hold a demonstration or gathering at the venue over reservation reforms. The police also cautioned people against assembling on the basis of what they described as misleading posts circulating on social media.

With PTI inputs