Union Minister Nitin Gadkari joked about his cabinet colleague Ramdas Athawale’s ability to retain his cabinet position in multiple governments. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Nitin Gadkari said that we are not guaranteed to form the government for the fourth time. But if any government comes, Ramdas Athawale is sure to become a minister again. He said that no matter who is in the government, Ramdas Athawale’s ministerial position is certain. Athawale was present on the stage, after which Gadkari clarified that he was just joking.
Also read: ‘Caste should not be discussed during elections’, Nitin Gadkari said- everyone’s welfare should be taken care of
Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Athawale, a three-time minister, exuded confidence of continuing his streak if the BJP returns to power. Athawale on Sunday said his party RPI (A), an ally in the ruling Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, should get a chance to contest at least 10 to 12 seats in the upcoming assembly elections. Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Athawale said the RPI-A will contest the election on its party symbol and will seek three to four seats in Vidarbha, including North Nagpur, Umred (Nagpur), Umarkhed in Yavatmal and Washim.
Also read: Nitin Gadkari warns contractors if they do not maintain the roads, they will be thrown out of the system
Athawale’s party is part of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. The Union minister said the RPI-A has prepared a list of 18 probable seats, which it will share with Mahayuti allies in a few days and hopes to get at least 10 to 12 seats in the seat-sharing agreement. He said the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP should give four seats each from their quota to his party. Earlier this week in Palghar, Athawale claimed that due to the inclusion of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in the Mahayuti government, the RPI(A) did not get any ministerial post in the state despite promises.
