Mumbai : Republican Party of India (RPI) national President and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale will contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections, from Mumbai South Central constituency.
The Union Minister of State for Social Welfare and Empowerment made the announcement on Tuesday at his suburban Bandra residence here and said that he has decided to contest from Mumbai South Central constituency, which is presently held by the Shiv Sena.
The sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from Mumbai South Central constituency is Rahul Shewale from Shiv Sena.
It is here to note that Mumbai South Central constituency has always been a seat for Shiv Sena in NDA alliance.
This announcement by Athawale could be considered as an official announcement by NDA hinting contesting 2019 Lok Sabha Polls without Shiv Sena.
The RPI has instructed all its major leaders in Mumbai and Maharashtra to prepare for 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party has also announced that there will be a mega rally on its foundation day which will be held on October 3 in Thane district and will be addressed by Athawale. (ANI)