BJP ally RPI(A) wants 45 seats in Mumbai civic elections

Republican Party of India (A), an ally of ruling BJP, today said it was keen on contesting at least 45 seats in the elections to Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.
Avinash Mahatekar, general secretary of RPI (A), said his party wanted Shiv Sena and BJP to contest the elections together and "it is a sad moment that elections are going to be contested separately (by Sena and BJP)".
Shiv Sena yesterday announced it was going to contest the civic polls on its own.
"We are hopeful of finalising the seat-sharing formula (with BJP) in the next four days," Mahatekar said.

"RPI(A) has asked mainly for wards with sizable number of Dalit voters. We want BJP voters from such wards to vote for our candidates so that chances of our win increase," he said.
"Our party has applied for a symbol and we are waiting for state election commission's approval," Mahatekar added.