A Unified Republican Party of India (RPI), comprising most outfits going by the same name, is set to take shape under the leadership of Rajya Sabha member R.S. Gavai. Lok Sabha member Ramdas Athawale said here today that he has convened a meeting of eight RPI factions on August 3 to decide on the new president and the structure of the unified party. Gavai was also present.While Athawale attributed their decision for the merger to their determination to check ‘‘growing atrocities on Dalits and activities of communal forces,’’ sources said the splinter factions have been motivated by expediency. They are alarmed by the tide of the BSP in Maharashtra. The factions have also been enthused by the prospect of the Congress cobbling up a broad pre-election alliance. ‘‘We decided to merge into one party at Mumbai on July 19,’’ Athawale added.
