RPI leader to support UPA in trust vote

Republican Party of India leader and Lok Sabha member Ramdas Athavale has said he will support the United Progressive Alliance government in the July 22 trust vote.

However, Athavale pointed out that the UPA government had not involved him in the decision-making process by giving him ministership.

"There is lot of resentment among Dalits because of this. But moral responsibility and the country's interests are more important than personal grudges," he said in a statement issued in Mumbai on Wednesday.

According to Athavale, the numbers are in favour of the UPA government. "281 MPs will vote in favour of the government and the dream of the opposition to dislodge the government will remain a dream," said the MP, who represents the Pandharpur Lok Sabha seat.

He said the Communists would stand to lose the most if they vote against the government along with the Bharatiya Janata Party.