Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has announced an alliance with the Republican Sena, headed by Anandraj Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This is a significant political development ahead of the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra. The new partnership is being seen as a strategic move by the Shinde faction to strengthen its position amid speculation that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) may also join forces before the polls.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made the announcement at a joint press conference with Anandraj Ambedkar, where both leaders emphasized the ideological alignment and shared goals of the two parties.
“We are proud to join hands with Anandraj Ambedkar and the Republican Sena for the upcoming elections. This partnership is built on shared values and a commitment to social justice. Together, we will work to ensure inclusive development and a stronger voice for the marginalized,” Shinde said.
Anandraj Ambedkar echoed these sentiments, calling the alliance a historic step. “We believe this partnership will create a new political alternative that represents the aspirations of Dalits and the common people,” he stated. He also described the alliance as a convergence of “Shivshakti and Bhimshakti,” a symbolic merging of Maratha and Dalit support bases.
The two parties announced that they will contest the municipal corporation and Zilla Parishad (ZP) elections together under the joint banner of the “Alliance of Ideology, Trust, and Development.”
Although the Republican Sena has limited electoral influence, primarily in the Vidarbha region and areas like Ramabai Nagar, Chembur, and Kurla, the alliance may prove beneficial in consolidating Dalit and Marathi votes. Anandraj Ambedkar, though not electorally successful in the past, continues to hold symbolic importance as the grandson of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
