Indian minister Ramdas Athawale asserted that reservation is a constitutional right and called for the eradication of the caste system.

Nineteen newly elected leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale, have been sworn in as members of the Rajya Sabha, representing states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Odisha.

The BJP's selection of Rajya Sabha candidates from Maharashtra, including Vinod Tawde and Ramdas Athawale, is reportedly influenced by caste balance and loyalty considerations.

Veteran politicians Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale are among the candidates contesting for the seven Rajya Sabha seats up for election in Maharashtra on March 16.

Abhijeet Dipke responded to an offer to join the NDA camp, questioning why he was considered 'anti-national' just a month prior, after Union minister Ramdas Athawale suggested he join his party.

Three candidates from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including two from the BJP and one from the United People’s Party Liberal, have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Assam.

The BJP has announced nine candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections across six states, with significant contests anticipated in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Odisha.

The BJP is reportedly considering nominating Ramdas Athawale for a third term in the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale criticized right-wing groups for unrest during Bakrid, stating that 'Muslims are Indians, not Aurangzeb’s children' in response to communal tensions.

The ruling BJP separately named four candidates, including its general secretary Vinod Tawde and Union minister Ramdas Athawale, for the biennial polls, nominations for which will close on March 5.

The BJP has released its list of candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, with Vinod Tawde and Ramdas Athawale leading the nominations.