Mumbai, May 8 (PTI) The meeting between BJP President Nitin Gadkari and Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athawale, where they mooted the idea of a united opposition front against the ruling Congress-NCP coalition in Maharashtra, has raised eyebrows in state political circles.
Athawale met Gadkari to discuss the proposal of "issue based" unity among the Opposition parties. Dalits comprise a significant 28 per cent of Maharashtra's electorate.
The May 6 meeting has raised the hackles of the Congress, which once had alliance with Athawale, considered the most influential Dalit leader in the state. The ruling party was quick to question Athawale's secular credentials.
MPCC spokesperson Anant Gadgil sought to know whether Athawale is ready to accept the philosophy of Gowalkar Guruji, (Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghachalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh).