Dalit outreach: Shinde Sena joins hands with Anandraj Ambedkar ahead of civic polls

In a bid to strengthen its ranks ahead of the civic body polls, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) has forged a pre-poll alliance with Anandraj Ambedkar's Republican Sena. Anandraj, grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and younger brother of Prakash Ambedkar-who leads the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA)-may not wield as much political clout as his elder brother but retains pockets of influence within the Dalit community.

The move is being closely watched as, despite its alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena has yet to formally announce a tie-up for the civic polls. It is seen as a signal to the BJP that the Sena could upset its plans if it goes solo, with the saffron-Dalit combination proving advantageous for Shinde's party.

"We have faith in each other. We are both grassroots workers, and there will be no issues unlike the Maha Vikas Aghadi. We have come together with a shared mindset-our alliance is meant to benefit the people," Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said at a joint press conference with Ambedkar on Wednesday.