RPI chief rubbishes report on list of candidates for election

Refuting media reports on the name of candidates of Republican Party of India (RPI) made public for the upcoming assembly election in Maharashtra, RPI chief Ramdas Athavale today said no such list was finalised and that it is a mischief done by someone.
Addressing media persons here at a press conference, Athavale said they have issued no such list of candidates for "Mahayuti" (grand alliance) with the Shiv Sena and BJP, to the media or at any other platform any other.
Earlier, names of final candidates made rounds in the media and on social media platforms.
"Due to wrong news being circulated, party activists are getting confused. I would ask activists to not to believe such news. Candidates will declared only after final decision is taken by RPI," he said.

RPI had given a list of 57 constituencies to to the Shiv Sena and BJP.
"We should get at least 20 seats. We have given letter to Devendra Fadanvis (state BJP president), to take a decision on final candidates," Athavale said.

The party chief claiming that without help of RPI, BJP and Shiv-Sena would not get dalit votes, said, "BJP and Shiv Sena should not behave like Congress. We are demanding seats with self-respect."
Replying to a query, Athavale said they have got star campaigners as Bollywood actress Rakhi Sawant and noted singer Udit Narayan have also shown interest in joining the party.

Meanwhile, a rally lead by Athavale, was taken out today at the district collector office demanding to declare Beed district as drought-hit and relief be provided by the government.