Mumbai, February 25: After the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena announced their alliance on February 18 for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale asserted that his party wants to be with National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Athawale on Monday demanded that his party should get one seat from Shiv Sena and one from BJP. RPI(A) Chief Ramdas Athawale Slapped by His Own Party Worker During an Event.

Speaking to ANI, Athwale said, "We will stay with NDA, we have certain demands, including that RPI should get one seat from Shiv Sena and one from BJP- 1 in Mumbai and 1 outside Mumbai. We want two seats." Ramdas Athawale Says 'Rs 15 Lakh Will Come in Everybody's Account Slowly', Blames RBI For Delay.

Tweet by ANI:

Earlier, the RPI chief had shown his disappointment after the Shiv Sena and BJP formed alliance for forthcoming Maharashtra Assembly Polls and Lok Sabha election. The union minister said he would like to contest from Mumbai South-Central seat which is currently held by Shiv Sena's Rahul Shewale.

The Union Minister of State for Social Justice added that if someone tried to sideline him, he is also capable of "sidelining" them. "If someone sidelines me then I have the power to sideline him. This is good that BJP-Shiv Sena came together. There is a need to call me when the alliance was announced in the presence of BJP President Amit Shah,” he added.

Meanwhile, Athwale said he would meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and discuss the issue of RPI being ignored for the forthcoming polls. He also added that cases against Dalits in relation with the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence should be eliminated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 25, 2019 05:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).