Athawale's support has been important: R R Patil

Mumbai, Mar 26 (UNI) Maharashtra Congress and NCP leaders today acknowledged that the support received from Republican Party of India (Athawale faction) had played an important role in propping up the Democratic Front government in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, while speaking at the valedictory function of the two-day RPI convention here today, accepted that RPI leader Ramdas Athawale's support had been important for the Congress and the NCP.

He also admitted that Mr Athawale, despite his unstinted support to the Congress and NCP, had not received due returns for the same.

Mr Patil was hinting at the denial of a Union ministerial berth to Mr Athawale.

State Cooperation Minister Patangrao Kadam (Congress), also acknowledged the RPI's role in ensuring victory for the NCP-Congress combine in the state.

The valedictory session was also attended by State PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Union Coal Minister Shibu Soren, Jain TV chairman J K Jain, and CPI general secretary A B Bardhan.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhujbal said there should be a reservation policy in the private sector too. Mr Bardhan agreed with Mr Bhujbal but said that before enacting a legislation in this regard, it was necessary to change the mindset of the people to accept such reservation in the private sector. Mr Soren stressed the need for the deprived communities in the society to forge unity.

Mr Athawale, in his speech, reiterated the need to foster unity among the various RPI factions and said he was always willing to hold discussions in this regard.

Mr Ashok Ambedkar, a grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, joined the RPI (A) on the occasion.

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