<p>Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday demanded that Rahul Gandhi’s passport be cancelled to stop him from “defaming” India with his remarks during his foreign visits. Athawale made these remarks as he hit out at the Leader of Opposition for his remarks on reservation during his controversial US visit.</p>
<p>Addressing a press conference in Palghar on Tuesday, Athawale reacted to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, saying: “Rahul Gandhi visits foreign countries and defames India by making such statements. His passport should be cancelled to stop him from making such remarks.'</p>
<p>He further said that Gandhi and his Congress party may fade away, but reservation in India will never be abolished.</p>
<p>Rahul Gandhi had said during his US Visit that India can think of scrapping reservation system only if it becomes a “fair place” that provides equal opportunities to Indians from each part of the society.</p>
<p>Following this, the LoP received massive backlash from the BJP that alleged Rahul Gandhi wanted to “scrap” the reservation system and that his remarks reflected Congress’s “anti-reservation” mindset.</p>
<p>Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Home minister Amit Shah had also slammed Rahul Gandhi alleging he was supporting forces “conspiring to divide India”.</p>
<h3>No Need For Raj Thackeray To Be A Part Of NDA: Athawale</h3>
<p>Athawale also said that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar did not harm the National Democratic Alliance in Maharashtra, but Raj Thackeray did. He also said that there was no need for Thackeray to be a part of the alliance as long as he is with NDA. </p>
<p>Athawale also addressed a gathering in Dahanu town, Palghar where he ensured employment to the fishermen affected by the proposed Vadhavan Port project in the district.</p>
<p>According to souces, Ramdas Athawale stated that Raj Thackeray’s unconditional support during the Lok Sabha elections did not benefit the Mahayuti in the elections. Stressing that Ajit Pawar did not cause any damage to the NDA, he said that the 17 seats that were won included contribution from Ajit Pawar as well.</p>
<p>While addressing the gathering, Athawale said that the government will make efforts to ensure proper employment to the fishermen in the region. He also assured them that he would meet Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to discuss rehabilitation measures for the fishermen. He further urged the community to extend their supportto the deep sea port project. </p>
<p>Vadhvan Port is said to be India’s largest deep-water port with an investment of Rs 76,220 crore. The project will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), an SPV formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).</p>