Ramdas Athawale, the president of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) or RPI(A), has staked a claim for 25 assembly seats for his party in the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. He issued a stern warning to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), advising against going solo in the state polls. Athawale's demand comes as part of the ongoing seat-sharing negotiations within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the crucial state elections.
Athawale's demand for seats
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Athawale asserted that the RPI(A) is a significant ally of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and deserves a fair share of seats. He said, "We have been with the BJP for a long time. In the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, we demand at least 25 seats for our party. The BJP should not forget its allies." The RPI(A) currently holds no seats in the Uttar Pradesh assembly but has a presence in some regions, particularly among Dalit communities.
Warning to BJP
Athawale also cautioned the BJP against contesting the elections alone, stating that a solo bid could harm the alliance's prospects. "If the BJP goes solo, it will be a mistake. We have fought together and won together. The NDA should remain united to defeat the opposition," he added. His remarks come amid speculations that the BJP might consider contesting more seats on its own, reducing the share for allies.
Political context
The 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections are seen as a crucial test for the NDA, particularly after the BJP's strong performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The Samajwadi Party and other opposition groups are also gearing up for a tough fight. Athawale's demand highlights the delicate balancing act within the alliance, as smaller partners seek to secure their political relevance.
Political analysts view Athawale's statement as a strategic move to put pressure on the BJP leadership ahead of formal seat-sharing discussions. The RPI(A) has been a consistent ally of the BJP at the national level and in Maharashtra, but its influence in Uttar Pradesh remains limited. Nevertheless, Athawale is keen to expand the party's footprint in the state.
Reactions from other allies
Other NDA partners in Uttar Pradesh, including the Apna Dal (Sonelal) and the Nishad Party, have also been vocal about their seat demands. Apna Dal (S) has already staked claim to 15 seats, while the Nishad Party is seeking at least 10 seats. The BJP has not yet officially responded to these demands, but party sources indicate that a final decision will be taken after consultations with state unit leaders.
In summary, Ramdas Athawale's demand for 25 seats for RPI(A) in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections and his warning to the BJP underscore the complexities of coalition politics in the state. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched as the election season approaches.
