Mumbai, March 27 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the Republican Party of India (Athawale) of an MLC seat in the upcoming legislative council elections, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, Athawale also said the party has also been assured one or two state corporations.
"During the local body elections, the CM assured us an MLC seat," Athawale said.
The legislative council elections in the state are expected to be held next month.
Athawale, who heads the RPI (A) faction, was upset with the ruling Mahayuti after his party did not get seats in the local body elections. Despite being part of the Mahayuti, he had fielded candidates in the local body elections but none tasted success.
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.
When asked 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 that he was more comfortable being a Union minister.