Mumbai, June 5: Ramdas Athawale, the Union Minister and leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI), has expressed disappointment with the BJP-led alliance in Maharashtra. He lamented that party workers in the state are not receiving the opportunities they deserve and is uncertain about whether his party is still part of the ruling coalition.
In a recent conversation, Athawale stated, “In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam, parties allied with the BJP are granted seats and cabinet positions.”
Despite having secured a ministerial position in the central cabinet and a Rajya Sabha seat for the third time, Athawale remarked, “I believe the party workers who contributed to my ministerial role and Rajya Sabha seat are not being recognized in Maharashtra.”
He emphasized that the RPI’s presence in the NDA at the center and the alliance in Maharashtra is due to the BJP. “My ministerial role indicates that my party is part of the NDA, but it remains unclear if we are part of the alliance in Maharashtra. The RPI is not mentioned anywhere. We should have received an MLC seat or a ministry for representation in Maharashtra,” he added.
Athawale pointed out that aside from the ministry, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had promised an MLC seat for the RPI. “We should be allocated one of the MLC seats. Additionally, we need two ‘Mahamandal President’ positions and 40-50 members to provide opportunities for our party workers across all districts,” he stated.
He further insisted on the need for representation in DPD committees, district, and taluka committees. “There are many committees in Mumbai, including those under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Therefore, we demand that at least one member of the RPI be given a chance in all these committees,” he said.
Athawale expressed confidence that CM Devendra Fadnavis would fulfill his promise of providing an MLC seat to the RPI. “We have requested a meeting with Devendra Fadnavis,” he noted.
The Union Minister mentioned his good rapport with the Chief Minister, stating, “The RPI is not getting what it deserves.”
He also shared his aspirations to contest elections from Shirdi, recalling his previous loss when his party was allied with Congress. “I was confident of winning from there,” he added, noting that his request was not met during the Lok Sabha elections.
Athawale reiterated that the RPI was not allocated any seats during the assembly elections or the BMC elections. He concluded by emphasizing that RPI workers should be given opportunities in committees formed under local bodies.
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