STAFF REPORTER Mumbai

RPI leader Ramdas Athawale has claimed that by virtue of the RPI having allied with the Sena- BJP, most of the Ambedkarite followers have voted in favour of the alliance. He expressed confidence that the alliance leaders would understand that it was because of a large number of Ambedkar followers that the alliance has come to power.

Athawale also said that the RPI did benefit from the alliance but not to that great an extent. He, however, refused to comment on whether he would press for an MP seat.

However, he said in no uncertain terms that the RPI had entered the alliance for gaining power and that he would bargain for it.