RPI (A) chief Ramdas Athawale to back BJP in Gujarat assembly polls

The BJP ally also asked Shiv Sena 'not to quarrel' with the centre-ruling party, besides slamming the MNS for its anti-hawker agitation

The RPI (Athawale), an ally of the BJP, has said it will support the saffron party in the forthcoming assembly elections in Gujarat.

RPI (A) chief Ramdas Athawale also advised the Shiv Sena to "not to quarrel" with the BJP and slammed the MNS for its anti-hawker agitation.

"We will ensure the BJP gets the maximum number of seats and also the largest vote share in the coming elections in Gujarat," he said.

Athawale was addressing a press conference at Mira Road last night.

The Union minister said the Shiv Sena should "not pick up quarrel" with the BJP and both parties should fight the future elections together.

Athawale criticised the Raj Thackeray-led MNS for its drive to forcibly evict illegal hawkers from parts of Thane district "The MNS workers, instead of attacking hawkers, should go to the border and fight the enemies."

He said the issue of illegal hawking can be tackled by police and the local administration.

The Dalit leader said to protect hawkers the RPI activists will come out on roads.

A large number of common people make their purchases from hawkers, he said, adding the government should come out with a policy for them.