Pune: Dr. Siddharth Dhende Resigns, Citing Neglect in Mahayuti Alliance and Union Minister Athawale’s Inaction

Wadgaon Sheri, 5th November 2024: Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale has faced a significant setback in Pune. Citing alleged mistreatment of the Republican Party of India – Athawale (RPI-A) within the Mahayuti alliance, former Deputy Mayor Dr. Siddharth Dhende has resigned from the party. In protest against the Mahayuti, Dr. Dhende submitted his resignation to RPI-A Pune City President Sanjay Sonawane. Reports suggest that his resignation could impact the Mahayuti’s standing in Wadgaon Sheri.

In a bold move, Dr. Dhende took an oath in front of his supporters, pledging not to vote for the Mahayuti. The oath-taking ceremony was held before Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue in the Pune Railway Station area. He accused the Mahayuti of sidelining the RPI and claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had deceived them during election negotiations. Dr. Dhende expressed frustration over the struggles of Ambedkarite communities, pointing out that, initially, the Mahayuti had not allocated any seats to the RPI for the elections. Eventually, the BJP offered one seat, but other alliance members did not.

Dr. Dhende also criticised Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, for remaining passive due to his position within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), of which Mahayuti is a part. Dr. Dhende remarked, “In the Lok Sabha elections, the Mahayuti did not allocate a single seat to the RPI. Even in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, the RPI has struggled for representation despite holding an independent election symbol. This has caused discontent among the activists. My decision was made only after consulting with party workers and office-bearers.”