Athavale successful in seat-sharing battle with NCP

MUMBAI, AUG 4: The Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athavale has successfully clinched 3 Lok Sabha and 20 Assembly seats in a battle of seat-sharing with Sharad Pawar8217;s Nationalist Congress Party.

Addressing a press conference this afternoon at the Press Club, Athavale said he was hopeful of getting even more seats in the next few days. 8220;We want a total of 40 Assembly seats and 6 Lok Sabha seats. Moreover, we want 25 per cent share in power if we conquer the State Assembly,8221; said Athavale.

Athavale said the campaign would soon begin after the party publishes its separate manifesto. He said the manifesto will promise the Dalits, tribals and minorities a share in the power. Athavale added that if the NCP-RPI alliance came to power, a memorial of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar will be constructed at Chaitya Bhoomi at a cost of Rs 25 crore. He added that the Election Commission of India would issue the poll symbol of the rising sun to him as he enjoyed the support of the majority in the party.