RPI (A) to give tickets to non-Dalits in polls: Athawale

Dalit leader and Union minister Ramdas Athawale today said his party RPI (A) would field candidates of other communities at half of the total seats it would contest in the upcoming general elections.

Addressing a press conference here, Athawale said the move was aimed at expanding the base of the party, which currently has no MLA in the Maharashtra Assembly.

RPI (A) is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA governments at Centre and Maharashtra.

"We would field candidates from various communities and religions on 50 per cent of total seats we would contest in the polls," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

Athawale said the 61st Foundation Day of his party would he held in Thane on October 3.

Responding to a query, Athawale criticised right wing leader and Bhima-Koregaon caste clash accused Sambhaji Bhide.

"Bhide is creating a rift between the Marathas and Dalits," he said while demanding action against Bhide who was never arrested in the case despite being named as the prime accused.

Speaking on the ongoing agitation by milk producers spearheaded by Lok Sabha MP Raju Shetti, Athawale said the farmer leader was holding people to ransom by stopping supply of milk to major cities.

Farmers' organisations are demanding a hike of Rs 5 per litre in milk procurement price.

"The government is offering subsidy of Rs 3 per litre (for dairies producing skimmed milk powder) which is justified. Shetti should not remain adamant of Rs 5 subsidy," the Dalit leader said.