"Want to contest Shirdi Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra": Ramdas Athawale

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 24 (ANI): Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Republican Party of India (Athawale) president Ramdas Athawale said that he would like to contest from Maharashtra's Shirdi constituency which would be a big boost to his party.
"I think the Republican Party should get one seat in Maharashtra for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Republican Party is present countrywide. People want me to come to Lok Sabha. I have repeatedly said that I am in Rajya Sabha till 2026 but people want me to come to Lok Sabha. So I feel that I should get a ticket from Shirdi to the Lok Sabha. I have lost there once. But the situation there is favourable now," Athawale said speaking to ANI on Saturday.
Athawale said that he has discussed this issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda.
"It is important for the RPI to get at least one ticket, otherwise it will not give a good impression in the society. We have voters in villages. The Mahayuti government should discuss this. I have met Amit Shah and JP Nadda in this regard," the RPI chief said.
On the finalisation of seat-sharing talks between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, Athawale said, "We do not fear their alliance because it does not have enough strength to defeat Prime Minister Modi. They will continue slandering PM Modi and putting forth their arrogance before the people. People are happy with PM Modi and they are with us."
"After Nitish Kumar and Jayant Chaudhury came out of the alliance and with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee deciding to contest in West Bengal alone, it does not have enough fuel," he added.
Speaking on the ongoing discussion with farmers, Athawale said that it is important for the farmers to compromise when the government has taken some steps back, to come to a solution.
"Earlier the government decided to increase MSP on some important crops but the farmers demanded MSP on all 23 crops. Our Agriculture Minister is trying to reach a solution. If the government is taking some steps back, farmers should also come to a compromise. We will reach a solution soon," Athawale said.
Speaking about his recent visit to Lakshwadeep, Athawale said, "This union territory is very important from the point of view of tourism. Meanwhile, the demand of Indians for tourism in Maldives has also increased...Prime Minister Modi had appealed that Indians should visit this island for tourism, so I also went to Lakshadweep with my family." (ANI)