Mumbai, Oct 9: Union minister and Dalit leader Ramdas Athawale said on Wednesday that his outfit had to continue to support the BJP-led ruling alliance in Maharashtra as there was no other option.

Athawale heads a faction of the Republican Party of India (RPI), founded by Dr B R Ambedkar.

"I have no other political choice, so I am with BJP in this (Maharashtra Assembly) election," Athawale, known for his candid way of speaking, told a Marathi news channel.

"But the association with the BJP is not merely electoral and for power, I am with them over various social issues as well," he added.

The Union Minister of State for Social Justice also refuted rumours of his wife Seema entering into politics.

"She does attend some rallies and party functions. It does not mean she will join active politics. She looks after my house and helps me remain active in politics," Athawale said to a question.

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Washington DC: The White House has reportedly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as uncertainty continues over ongoing peace negotiations and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches.

Issues bout a possible escalation had increased after US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States has “tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use” in dealing with Iran.

His remarks came amid rising tensions and ahead of a deadline linked to peace efforts.

The situation has attracted attention as Trump warned Iran that its “whole civilization will die tonight tonight” if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday at 8 pm.

This statement led to speculation about the possibility of extreme military measures, including a nuclear strike.

Following Vance’s comments, the White House issued a clarification distancing itself from such interpretations. In a post on X, it said, "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons." In a later statement, it added that “only the president knows” what action will be taken regarding Iran.