BJP ally or solo fight? Athawale puts 25-seat condition for 2027 UP Assembly polls

The Republican Party of India (Athawale) on Saturday drew a clear line for its role in Uttar Pradesh, with Union Minister and party chief Ramdas Athawale saying the party will contest 25 Assembly seats with the BJP or go solo if that demand is not met.

The statement, issued through a press release ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, shows early signs of seat-sharing pressure within the NDA, even though formal talks are yet to begin.

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Athawale sets terms for BJP alliance

According to the release, Athawale said, “In Uttar Pradesh, the party will contest 25 seats as an ally of the BJP. If this demand is not met, the party will contest the assembly elections alone.”

The remark signals a firm stand by the RPI(A), which is looking for a defined space in the state’s electoral map as preparations for 2027 slowly pick up.

The party also made it clear that it sees itself as a relevant partner in Uttar Pradesh politics, especially within the NDA setup, where smaller allies often negotiate their share based on social base and regional presence.

Organisation push ahead of 2027 elections

The press release said the party is focusing on strengthening its organisation in Uttar Pradesh at the grassroots level. Athawale noted that the effort is aimed at giving the party a stronger voice in the upcoming elections.

He also pointed out that the RPI(A) is an important partner in the NDA at the Centre and expects similar weight in Uttar Pradesh.

Opposition in the line of fire

In the same statement, Athawale targeted the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, accusing them of working against the interests of women and marginalised communities.

He said the RPI(A) represents Dalits, backward classes and other deprived sections, and claimed that these groups have not seen real development despite being politically courted by other parties.

State unit backs demand

RPI(A) Uttar Pradesh president Pawan Kumar Gupta backed the national leadership’s position, saying party workers have already begun preparing for the 2027 elections.

He also appealed to the media to give space to the party’s programmes, signalling an attempt to build visibility in the state.