Pune: The new political equation in
Maharashtra, reflected in the alliance between Shiv Sena and
the Ramdas Athavale-led faction of Republican Party of India
(RPI), on Monday drew flak from Congress, whose General Secretary
Digvijay Singh described it as an "opportunist" posture.
Referring to the much-talked about coming together of
the "Shiv Shakti and Bhimshakti" in Maharashtra, Singh
attacked Athavale for joining hands with the Bal Thackeray-led
party, which he said, can never support the cause of Dalits.
"It is an opportunist alliance. I know Athavale well
but I condemn his hobnobbing with Shiv Sena which has insulted
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Shiv Sena can never support the Dalit
cause," he said while addressing party workers at Congress
Bhavan here.
Singh said Congress, which once had alliance with RPI
(A), was in a strong position in Maharashtra, where the party
is in power in alliance with Sharad Pawar`s NCP.
Care should be taken to see that communal forces did
not benefit in any fight between Congress and NCP in the
state, the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister said.
He asked Congressmen to gear up for the elections to
Pune Municipal Corporation scheduled early next year.
PTI
