Narendra Modi’s popularity remains intact’People can give as many abuses to Narendra Modiji as they want, but he will always be their own and reside in their hearts – ‘Log Dene do modiji ko chahe jitni gali par woh hamesha rahenge sabke vali’

MUMBAI, SACHIN MURDESHWAR 📞8108510506: This time, an NDA government in Bengal! RPI workers are determined to remove Mamata Didi from power. Yesterday, in the presence of Mr. Satyajit Das and Mr. Amar Roy, we made it clear that the Republican Party of India will fully support the BJP and the NDA. The people of Bengal now want peace and progress, and that path lies only under Modi’s leadership!

“Narendra Modi’s popularity remains intact,” Athawale said during an informal interaction with reporters in Mumbai on April 8, 2026. Athawale in a brief interview with NH responded to the Questions as under-

Q1.You have been advocating for various parties representing Dalits, Ambedkarites and Buddhists to come together.?
Ans1.There are people and parties representing Dalits, Ambedkarites and Buddhists. They all need to come together. In fact, this was the dream and mission of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Babasaheb had dissolved the All India Scheduled Castes Federation and formed the Republican Party of India. He believed that the Republicans should represent all classes, castes and religions. It should be a mainstream political force. And for this, we need to join hands. By joining hands RPI (A) Chief wanted to indicate RPI (Kamble): Led by B. C. Kamble, focusing on Dalit issues in Maharashtra; RPI (Khobragade): Led by B. D. Khobragade and RPI (Ambedkar): Another faction claiming to follow Ambedkar’s ideals led by Deepak Sadhshiv Nikalje.

Q2.Is there any chance of coming together with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi founder Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar?
Ans2.We have worked together earlier. I am ready, but he also has to be ready. However, RPI (A) is part of the BJP-led NDA and is working under the leadership of Modi.

Q3.Recently, there have been talks that Modi’s popularity has declined over the past 12 years.?
Ans3.Let me tell you, Modi’s popularity remains intact. People don’t and won’t believe what the Congress and other opposition parties say. Their sole agenda is to target the Prime Minister. In fact, his popularity is growing.

Q4.How do you see the RPI (A) in the next five years?
Ans.4.Today, we have a presence in all 28 states and eight Union Territories. We have units in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and the North-East. Over the next few years, our focus will be on Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In Maharashtra, where we have the maximum presence, we want to expand further. As part of the NDA coalition, we would like the BJP to give us more seats so that we can win more.

Q5.How do you see the ongoing elections?       
Ans.5.We are contesting some seats in Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In West Bengal, we are not contesting. This time, there is support for the BJP. I share good personal relations with West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. In the 294-member Assembly, the TMC won 213 seats and the BJP 77. I am confident the BJP will bridge the vote share gap and there could be a change. The RPI (A) is with the BJP and has refrained from fielding candidates. We want the BJP to take note of this.

Q6.What is your opinion on women’s reservation in law-making bodies in India?
Ans.6.This is a historic step. The total number of Lok Sabha seats is expected to increase from 543 to 816. Of these, 273 seats-around 33 per cent-would be reserved for women. Women will get 33 per cent reservation, and within that, women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will also receive reserved representation. This is a positive move and must be welcomed by all. We all support women’s empowerment.A special session of Parliament is likely to be held around April 16-18, where this bill may be passed. Once it becomes law, its implementation will begin from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. It will then apply to state Assembly elections as well, including in Maharashtra and other states. going to polls later that year. I would like to thank Modi for this.

Q7.What are your comments on the temporary ceasefire between the United States-Israel coalition and Iran?
Ans. 7. It is a welcome step, and all parties must sit together to explore a long-lasting solution. Peace must prevail in the world. For India, it has brought relief as the Strait of Hormuz has reopened, helping ease the petroleum situation.The enthusiasm displayed at yesterday’s meeting has written history for Bengal’s bright future. The power of our alliance has now reached every street, every neighborhood. Together with Mr. Satyajit Das and Amar Roy, we will intensify the fight for the rights of the oppressed and the marginalized. Yesterday was just the beginning; the real victory is yet to come!

RPI (A) Chief and Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment
Ramdas Athawale convened a meeting to plan the celebration of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Ambedkar Jayanti at district and division levels. The events, scheduled from April 11-14, will include tributes, awareness programs, film screenings, and awards to promote the importance of the Constitution and social justice among the new generation, with active participation from various departments and organizations.