Athawale Demands More Seats for RPI (A) in Upcoming Maharashtra Elections

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale demands that his party, RPI (A), an ally in the Mahayuti alliance, be given 10 to 12 seats for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. He expressed discontent over not receiving promised ministerial positions due to the inclusion of Ajit Pawar's NCP in the alliance.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday pressed for his party, the RPI (A), to contest at least 10 to 12 seats in the forthcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Athawale made the demand during a press conference in Nagpur, specifying that the party wishes to run on its own symbol and aims for three to four seats in Vidarbha, including north Nagpur and Umred.

The RPI (A) is a component of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar's NCP. Athawale announced that the party has prepared a list of 18 probable seats to discuss with its Mahayuti allies, expecting four seats each from BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.

In Palghar earlier this week, Athawale claimed that the RPI (A) missed out on ministerial berths due to the NCP joining the coalition, despite earlier promises of cabinet positions and other roles. The Maharashtra elections are anticipated for November with 288 assembly seats in contention.

(With inputs from agencies.)