RPI sides with BJP, settles for 8 seats

After seat-sharing talks with the Shiv Sena failed, the Republican Party of India (RPI) led by Ramdas Athavale on Saturday announced that it would side with the BJP, which has conceded eight seats (two from Mumbai) for it to contest the upcoming assembly polls. The BJP also promised a union cabinet berth, as well as a 10 per cent share if it comes to power in the state.

The RPI approached the BJP demanding 20 'winnable' seats in the state, out of which 5 were from Mumbai. It also asked for one cabinet berth in the Centre in lieu of political support to BJP.

Athavale met BJP president Amit Shah at the party's headquarters in Dadar on the last day of nominations. Later in the day, he declared his support to the BJP after the meeting which he said was 'successful'.

RPI fields encounter cop Pradeep Sharma

The RPI(A), fielded two surprising candidates from Mumbai – Deepak Nikhalje, brother of chhota Rajan, from Chembur, and former pollice officer and encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma from Andheri (East). Sharma, 53, was dismissed from the Mumbai police in 2008 on charges of corruption, but was reinstated months later after he was proved innocent.