Athawale allotted office in Shastri Bhawan
A prominent Dalit leader from Maharashtra, Athawale entered the office amidst chanting by Buddhist monks.
Athawale told reporters he would talk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of quota in education and jobs for economically backward people from Brahmin, Maratha and Jat communities.
He also pitched for according more power to the National Commission for Backward Classes and said he would make an effort to that end.