Mumbai, September 5: With few weeks remaining for the assembly elections in Maharashtra, Union Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale has demanded the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to allot 10 seats to his party. The leader, known for his appeal among the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe community, has reiterated that the RPI would contest on its own electoral symbol rather than fighting on the BJP ticket. Over 21 Lakh Voters Added to Electoral Roll in 7 Months, Female Voters Outnumber Males.

Athawale, while speaking to reporters on Thursday, said the saffron coalition headed by BJP-Sena has decided to allot 18 constituencies to smaller parties. Out of those seats, more than half should be allotted to the RPI, he demanded.

"BJP-Shiv Sena have decided to give 18 seats to allies, RPI has demanded 10 out of those 18 seats. We'll contest on our own symbol in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. We don't want to fight on BJP's symbol," Athawale said.

Update by ANI:

The legislative polls in Maharashtra are expected to be held in November this year. The Election Commission is yet to announce the dates and schedule of the polls. The electoral battle is primarily stacked up between the ruling alliance of BJP-Sena against the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Ahead of the elections, several top leaders from the Opposition ranks have jumped ship to the BJP. NCP chief Sharad Pawar has accused the government of using investigative agencies to coerce political leaders to join the ruling camp. The charge has been rejected by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2019 03:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).