Ramdas Athawale Pushes for Larger Seat Allocation and Ministerial Posts in Mahayuti: Will His Demands Be Met?

As seat allocation discussions within the Mahayuti alliance progress at a rapid pace, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale has jumped into the fray, making strong demands for both seats and ministerial posts. While seat allocation is currently being negotiated primarily between the three major parties in the Mahayuti, allied parties like Athawale’s RPI have not yet been included. However, Athawale’s recent statements signal that he expects a larger role in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to the media during his visit to Ratnagiri, Athawale emphasized the need for his party to receive a fair share of seats in the upcoming elections. “The Grand Alliance has included us since the 2012 elections. Now, our party should also be given 10 to 12 seats, along with two ministerial positions and corporations,” he said. Athawale pointed out that the RPI has a significant presence across the country, especially in Maharashtra, and argued that his party deserves representation in the assembly.

Athawale specifically demanded that the Mahayuti leave key constituencies like Umarkhed, Dharavi, Malad, Chembur, and Washim for his party, asserting that the RPI has a decisive presence in these regions. “If these constituencies are given to us, our MLAs will reach the Legislative Assembly,” he confidently stated.

In addition to seat demands, Athawale also touched on broader political dynamics, expressing his opinion against including Raj Thackeray in the Mahayuti. He also revealed that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had promised a ministerial post for the RPI in Maharashtra, though cabinet expansion delays had stalled this plan.

Regarding ongoing political debates, Athawale voiced his support for the “One Nation, One Election” initiative and claimed he would secure another ministerial position in the future. On the sensitive issue of Maratha reservation, Athawale acknowledged the state government’s decision to grant the Maratha community a 10 percent reservation and said that the Centre would need to consider the matter if it comes before them.

Athawale also commented on recent remarks made by BJP leader Nitesh Rane, advising Rane to avoid making divisive statements about the Muslim community in Konkan, noting that many Muslims in the region are converts and part of the broader Indian community.

With Athawale’s demands now public, it remains to be seen whether the Mahayuti leadership will accommodate his call for a larger seat allocation and a more prominent role in the upcoming elections. All eyes are on the alliance as these negotiations unfold in the lead-up to the polls.