Athawale opposes Hazare idea

"Anna`s demand is unjust and uncalled for, as it would lead to manifold problems and incur huge expenses. It would also make the Election Commission conduct elections frequently," Athawale told reporters.

Athawale and senior Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi were talking to media, ahead of a rally to be held here later today.

"The democratic process of election is the biggest opportunity and if an elected representative does not perform, he or she can be defeated in the next election...Who stops you from not electing the sitting members?," he said.

The RPI leader also said that frequent amendments in the constitutional provisions are not good for democracy.

He said that even though he supported the Jan Lokpal Bill, Hazare should quit his "adamant" stand.

A few months back, Athawale`s faction had announced an electoral alliance with Shiv Sena. "Members of the Republican Party were fed up with the Congress-NCP combine and therefore switched over to the saffron alliance," Athawale explained.

Joshi said that they have already struck an alliance with Peasants and Workers Party (PWP).

The Shiv Sena leader also expressed confidence that their chances of winning the forthcoming civic polls look brighter.

Joshi said that Shiv Sena is against forming a separate Vidarbha state. "People in the region have accepted Sena`s stand. People`s support is clear as they have elected four party MPs from here," he said.