CHENNAI: The Republican Party of India (RPI), on Friday said it would go it alone in Uttar Pradesh if the BJP, with which it is aligned, fails to give 10 to 15 seats.
Addressing a press conference here, RPI founder leader, Ramdas Athawale, said his party will contest in 200 constituencies if talks fail over seat-sharing with BJP.
However, the party’s alliance at the Centre will continue. “We will back BJP candidates where we are not contesting,” he said.
He claimed that many cadre of Bahujan Samaj Party were now joining the RPI. “RPI is Ambedkar’s party and Bahujan Samaj Party of Mayawati is not,” he said.
He also highlighted the atrocities against Dalits over inter-caste marriages in Tamil Nadu. “There should be more inter-caste marriages. This could end casteism. We are providing Rs 2.5 lakh for those marrying away from their community.
We are planning to increase the award” he said. He said he will write to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Paneerselvam to provide such couples with land and also a job.
He said Dalit atrocities in Tamil Nadu were less when compared to other States like Uttar Pradesh. “Of the total 26,000 atrocities committed against Dalits during 2015-16, 1,760 were committed against Dalits in Tamil Nadu,” he said. Athawale also sought reservation for Dalits in all sports, including cricket.