Republican Party of India

Republican Party of India
Politics of India Political parties Elections

The Republican Party of India is a political party in India. It has its roots in the Scheduled Castes Federation led by Dr. Ambedkar. The main base of RPI has traditionally been in Maharashtra.

During the recent years RPI suffered severe internal strife. Several distinct parties claim the name of RPI. Splinter-groups of RPI include:

• Republican Party of India (Athvale) of Ramdas Athvale
• Republican Party of India (Gavai) of R.S. Gavai and Rajendra Gavai
• Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangha of Prakash Ambedkar
• Peoples Republican Party of Prof. Jogendra Kawade
• Republican Party Of India (Democratic) of T.M. Kamble
• Republican Party of India (B.C. Kamble) of B.C. Kamble
• Republican Party Of India (Khobragade) of B.D. Khobragade
• Republican Party Of India (Mogha) of Shivram Mogha
• Republican Party Of India (Talwatkar) of Ghanshyam Talwatkar
• Republican Party of India (Sivaraj)
• Republican Party of India (Raja Dhale)
• Indian Republican Party (Dalit Panther) of Namdeo Dhasal
• Bahujan Mahasangh of Makhram Pawar

Recently, all factions of RPI except Prakash Ambedkar's Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangha reunited to form a united "Republican Party of India (United)". Later, Republican Party of India (Gavai) split again from the united party. In June 2011, Republican Party of India (Athawale) joined hands with right wing alliance of Shivsena and BJP.

Note: A splinter faction of RPI Haryana Republican Party merged with Congress in 2004 May.