Nagpur, Sep 22 - In a pre-election blow to the 18-party Third Front, the Republican Party of India (RPI)-Gavai - an important component - walked out of the alliance here Tuesday.

RPI leader Rajendra Gavai announced that his party would independently contest at least 15 seats in eastern Maharashtra's Vidarbha region for the Oct 13 assembly elections.

Ramdas Athavale, who heads the Third Front christened as Republican Left Democratic Front (RLDF), dismissed the development, saying that the RPI(G)'s exit from the conglomerate would not have 'any impact' on its poll prospects.

Gavai's decision came six days after he accused Athavale of attempting to 'hijack' the group's leadership, and threatened to quit the RLDF.