RPI may contest alone in state polls: Athwale

Republican Party of India, an ally of National Democratic Alliance, today said it might be forced to contest the coming assembly elections in five states on its own if BJP did not accede to its demands on seat sharing.
"We will be contesting in all the five States.. Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab. Right now, we are discussing with Amit Shah (BJP President)," RPI chief and Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Ramdas Athawale told reporters here.
Stating that the RPI was one of the strongest parties much before Bahujan Samajwadi Party came into being, he said, "in the coming days, again we are speaking with Amit Shah. If (BJP) they are not accepting, then we may contest alone".

To a query on whether demonetisation issue would be used by rivals in the polls against BJP as the cash crunch had hit the people, Athawale said initially there were problems but common people were supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"There were problems when it was announced. But now the situation is very clear. Common man is thinking that this decision is for development of the country.Common people are supporting Narendra Modi's stand. Now, there is no problem (due to demonetisation)", he said.
On inter-caste marriage, he said casteism was prevalent in States like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra adding his Ministry was working to increase the funds given to inter-caste marriages. Rs 2.50 lakh.

"We are supporting inter-caste marriage. We are giving Rs 2.50 lakh for inter-caste marriage. I heard Rajasthan Government is giving Rs five lakh for intercaste marriage. Now, we are thinking of increasing the money (for inter-caste marriage)", he said.
Replying to a question, he said Uttar Pradesh accounted for most number of cases related to atrocities against SCs, STs and backward classes, followed by Bihar and Rajasthan. "In Tamil Nadu there were about 1,760 cases reported in 2015-16", he added.
Later, Athawale accompanied by party members called on AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala at the Poes Garden residence, a party statement said.