MUMBAI: Union minister Ramdas Athwale has suggested that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi should marry a Dalit girl.
"Day by day, he (Rahul Gandhi) is getting matured. Rahul Gandhi is not a Pappu anymore. He has been campaigning extensively. He looks confident. He's going to Dalits' houses, has food with them. Only one more step remains to fulfill Gandhiji's dream: an intercaste marriage," Athawale said while speaking at a function at Akola on Saturday.
"Mahatma Gandhi had suggested inter-caste marriages to put an end to the caste system. Rahul should follow him. There are many girls who are ready to marry him. Now, it's up to Rahul Gandhi to come forward," he added.
Athawale's suggestion for Rahul Gandhi came just a couple of days after boxer Vijender Singh caught Rahul Gandhi unawares at an event in New Delhi on Thursday by asking about his wedding plans.
"This is an old question. I believe in destiny. 'Jab hogi, tab hogi' (It will happen when it does)," Rahul had replied when Vijender Singh quizzed him about his marital plans.
However, Athawale said there was a duality in the lives of the 'upper caste leaders'. "Though they say they have risen above caste, they always get married into their own caste," he said.
While quoting Gandhiji on inter-caste marriages, Athwale went on to clarify that he too is a follower of Gandhiji's advice in this matter and had married a Brahmin girl.