RPI unity is possible without Prakash Ambedkar: Athawale

Nagpur, May 8 (UNI) Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale today hinted that unity of the various RPI factions could become a reality without the group led by Mr Prakash Ambedkar.

Talking to newspersons here today, Mr Athawale said the process of RPI unity has been initiated with a series of meetings of RPI leaders of various factions being held in New Delhi.

Senior leaders R S Gavai, Jogendra Kawade and he (Athawale) himself had attended two meetings in New Delhi recently along with other leaders, he said. Mr Prakash Ambedkar had not attended both the meetings despite being invited, Mr Athawale said.

''A last attempt will be made by Mr Kawade who will invite Mr Prakash Ambedkar for a meeting to be held shortly and, if he does not attend it, the others will unanimously decide to come together since people want a united RPI,'' he said.

Replying to a query, Mr Athawale said the leadership dispute could be resolved in a democratic manner. A committee has already been constituted under noted dalit litterateur Gangadhar Pantwane to prepare a report on the modalities to forge the unity. The committee will submit its report within two months, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Athawale informed that a conference will be held in Mumbai on May 15 to deliberate on the reservation policy.

UNI NNG MAZ MIR PC2335