Mumbai, Feb 16: Shiv Sena is getting positive response for its appeal to Dalits to join hands with the party and is willing to discuss the proposal with all factions of the Republican Party of India (RPI), said a party leader today. "The general feeling to the Sena's appeal is positive. The followers of RPI as well as Shiv Sainiks have welcomed the idea," said party leader Subhash Desai. Moreover, the party is willing to discuss its proposal with all factions of the RPI, Desai said. In an indication of political realignment in Maharashtra, Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray had recently emphasised the need for coming together of `shiv shakti' and `bhim shakti' (followers of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar).

Uddhav's appeal assumes significance as Dalits constitute nearly 11.5 per cent of the state's population. Reacting to Uddhav's appeal, RPI leader and MP Ramdas Athavale had asked Sena to alter its agenda of Hindutva. However, Uddhav turned down his plea saying Sena's Hindutva is nothing but nationalism.
Bureau Report