Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale declared that his party, the Republican Party of India (A), will run solo in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, dealing a blow to the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. Athawale accused the Mahayuti alliance of betrayal in seat-sharing, leading to the party fielding 39 candidates independently just before the nomination deadline.
The Republican Party of India (A) took this decision on the final day for BMC nominations, contesting across various regions in Mumbai. Despite efforts to negotiate seats, the party felt sidelined by the Mahayuti alliance, prompting Athawale to criticize the lack of seat allocation despite prior assurances. The party’s move to contest independently was a result of feeling disregarded in the alliance’s decision-making process.
Athawale clarified the party’s stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity and self-respect for party workers. He highlighted the need for Ambedkarite society’s representation in governance and expressed the party’s commitment to contesting ‘friendly fights’ on specific seats while remaining supportive of the Mahayuti alliance. The decision by the Republican Party of India (A) is seen as a significant challenge for the alliance, potentially impacting the voting dynamics in Mumbai’s upcoming municipal elections.
