RPI(A) to discuss seat-sharing with BJP

Republican Party of India (A) has decided to discuss seat-sharing with the BJP, irrespective of the senior ally and Sena's ongoing talks on the same issue.
"Earlier, our party had decided to wait for Shiv Sena and BJP to forge an alliance ahead of municipal corporation and zilla parishad elections. Once they finished their talks, we were to submit our proposal. But after we had a meeting with state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis yesterday, BJP and RPI(A) have decided to go ahead with our seat-sharing talks," RPI(A) state president Bhupesh Thulkar said today.
"The party workers have become active and we need some time for preparation of documents, finalisation of candidates and holding party level meetings. It was thus decided to go ahead with seat-sharing talks," he told reporters here.

"If the BJP is not forming an alliance with Shiv Sena, then we are going to demand at least 50 seats for contesting BMC elections. If the alliance is formed, then RPI(A) would like to contest some 30 seats in the BMC elections," he said.
On seat-sharing for other municipal corporations and zilla parishads, Thakur said the decision would be based on local leaders as they are well aware of the ground reality.
Those talks are also in progress. In every election in the state, RPI (A) and BJP are together for sure, he said.