RPI chief Athawale hoping for berth in Centre

Republican Party of India chief Ramdas Athawale today said he was hoping that BJP would keep its promise to make him a Minister at the Centre.
Recently, BJP appointed Union Minister Raosaheb Danve as head of its Maharashtra unit, following which he announced that he would be resigning from the government.
"I hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah would soon take decision on giving me a ministerial berth at the Centre. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wanted me to return to state politics once again. He even offered me a berth in the state cabinet. But I am only interested in working at the Centre," Athawale said.

The RPI led by him was a part of pre-poll alliance stitched by the BJP before the state elections.
Athawale was speaking to reporters after a function where Bollywood actor Hemant Birje, known for his role of 'Tarzan', joined his party.
"I have categorically told BJP that I wish to remain at the Centre. So there is no question of returning to state politics," Athawale said.
"Also, the BJP should also give us an MLC seat, along with a ministerial berth in the state government as we had been assured of it in writing by the BJP during the state Assembly elections. Not only RPI, even other allies should get ministerial berths," he said.