The BJP's smaller alliance partners on Saturday demanded ten per cent representation in state government. At a meeting held in Mumbai, Republican Party of India, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, Shivsangram, Rashtriya Samaj Party joined hands to pitch for higher power share in the government. At present the BJP and Shiv Sena run the coalition government with BJP's 20 ministers and Shiv Sena ten minister in the cabinet of total 30 ministers. At the end of the meeting that voiced their disappointment for not getting due share in government. They met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to Rashtriya Samaja Party chief Mahadeo Jhankar, “CM held a meeting with us and agreed to consider our demands. He promised cabinet expansion would take place before next monsoon session. And the smaller allies like us would be accommodated in the government.” The RPI chief Ramdas Athavale said, “ The BJP should give us 10 per cent share in cabinet. The BJP is in power because of our contribution. Otherwise Shiv Sena would have won atleast 50 seats more. Our support consolidated the BJP in state.” The Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghataba chief Raju Shetty said, “ At the end of six months there is no initiative from them to include us in governance. There are issues which we would like to raise. They cannot overlook our contribution to bring the BJP lead government to power.” Vinayak Mete of Shivsangram described the meeting as a review at the end of six months of government.
