Join army for good liquor: Athawale to Dalits

PUNE: Known for courting controversy with his remarks, Union Minister for state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday asked Dalit youth to join the Indian Army to get good liquor instead of consuming country liquor while unemployed.

Speaking to reporters in Pune, Athawale said he would personally make efforts to ensure that Dalits get reservation in the defence forces.

“The Army provides good food and liquor. Instead of consuming country liquor while being unemployed, the Dalit youth should join Army where they can get rum,” Athawale said.

The minister said it is a misconception that people die after joining the army.

“There are more number of people who die in road accidents and by heart attacks every day. To say people only die in Army is wrong.”

Stressing the need for reservation for dalit youth in the defence forces, Athawale said, “Dalits are fighters. They can contribute for the nation if they join defence forces.”

While accepting that promises made during the election by Narendra Modi have not been fulfilled yet, Athawale said the government is working towards fulfilling those promises.

The Republican Party of India (RPI) leader said the prices of fuel will soon come down as the government is working on the issue. “The finance minister is personally looking into it to ensure fuel prices come down son,” said Athawale.

The RP I leader also backed the proposed Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project saying there is no reason to oppose it.

In the past too, Athawale has made controversial remarks. Earlier in August, he advised transgenders not to wear sarees. “Why should they wear saree when they are not women.” He later clarified that it was his suggestion.