NEW DELHI | April 14, 2026: Shri Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment and National President of the Republican Party of India (A), has achieved a historic global milestone. He has been officially inducted into the ‘High Range World Records’ as the “Longest-Serving Parliamentarian from the Ambedkarite Republican Movement in India.” This prestigious recognition was announced on the auspicious occasion of the 135th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, marking a monumental moment for the entire Republican movement.
A 23-Year Unbroken Journey in Parliament
Since first entering the hallowed halls of Parliament in 1998, Ramdas Athawale has maintained a consistent and influential presence in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Key highlights of his record-breaking journey include:

• Total Parliamentary Tenure: Over 23 years of active and continuous service.
• Lok Sabha Representation: Served three impactful terms representing Mumbai North Central (1998) and Pandharpur (1999, 2004).
• Rajya Sabha Representation: He is currently serving his second consecutive term in the Upper House (since 2014).
• Ministerial Role: As the Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, he has utilized his long-standing position to advocate for and implement key policies for the marginalized sections of society.
  Comparative Analysis: Leading the Legends
  The history of the Ambedkarite movement has been graced by several intellectual and political giants. However, Ramdas Athawale has now set a new benchmark for longevity and legislative stability. A comparison of tenures highlights his unique achievement:
• Ramdas Athawale: ~23 Years (Active Record)
• Bar. Rajabhau Khobragade: ~18 Years (Rajya Sabha – Multiple terms)
• Dadasaheb Gaikwad: ~12–14 Years (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha)
• Prakash Ambedkar: ~12 Years (Rajya Sabha & Lok Sabha)
• R.S. Gavai: ~12 Years (Rajya Sabha – Multiple terms)
• B.P. Maurya: ~9 Years (RPI years)
• Jogendra Kawade: ~6 Years (Rajya Sabha)
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: ~4 Years (Rajya Sabha – 1952 to 1956)
  A Significant Legacy
  As the data demonstrates, Ramdas Athawale’s parliamentary tenure of approximately 23 years exceeds that of Barrister Rajabhau Khobragade by 5 years. It is nearly double the tenure of other prominent leaders like Prakash Ambedkar and R.S. Gavai. Most notably, his service is more than five times the parliamentary tenure of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar himself.
  The recognition by ‘High Range World Records’ is a testament to the fact that Ramdas Athawale has not only navigated the complexities of national politics but has also ensured that the torch of Ambedkarite ideology continues to burn bright in the heart of India’s democracy. From his early days as a firebrand activist to becoming a world-record-holding parliamentarian, his journey serves as a massive inspiration for the next generation of social and political workers.