Ramdas Athawale says RPI(A) assured MLC seat in Maharashtra council polls

Ramdas Athawale. Pic/X

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the Republican Party of India (Athawale) an MLC seat in the upcoming legislative council polls, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said on Friday, reported news agency PTI.

Addressing a news conference, Athawale also said the party has also been assured one-two state corporations.

"During the civic body polls, the CM assured us an MLC seat," Athawale said, reported PTI.

Legislative council polls in the state are expected to be held next month.

Athawale, who heads the RPI (A) faction, was upset at the ruling Mahayuti after his party did not get seats in the civic body polls. Despite being part of the Mahayuti, he had fielded candidates in the civic body polls but none tasted success, reported PTI.

The Union minister said the deputy mayor in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is an RPI (A) activist.

Athawale stressed the need to make his party one that can have members and supporters from different castes and religions.

On being queried about whether the BJP's top brass had suggested he move to state politics and that a ministerial berth was offered to him in Maharashtra, Athawale said he told the BJP leadership he was more comfortable being a Union minister.

Ramdas Athawale welcomes govt's decision to reduce excise duty on fuel

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday welcomed the government's decision to reduce the excise duty on petrol and diesel, saying that the decision will bring "relief" to the people.

"The excise duty reduction will provide relief to the people...This decision is welcome. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government works for the development of all and is concerned about all sections of society...," Athawale told ANI.

The Central government reduced excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and brought it down to zero for diesel, as per a Gazette notification issued under the provisions of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Additionally, a windfall tax of Rs 21.5 per litre has been imposed on diesel exports.

The decision follows escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz--a crucial route that handles nearly one-fifth of the world's crude oil supply. Before the crisis, India sourced around 12-15% of its oil imports through this route.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)