Uddhav trying to split RPI: Athawale

Grappling with an intra-party controversy over his decision to ally with the BJP, Republican Party of India (A) President Ramdas Athawale Tuesday accused Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray of 'attempting to split his (RPI) party'.

The allegation came a day after two of his senior leaders - Arjun Dangle and Kakasaheb Khambalkar - openly opposed Athawale's decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party after the erstwhile six-party saffron Grand Alliance split last Thursday.

"The decision to ally with the BJP was taken in consultation with Dangle and Khambalkar...In fact, they had suggested this... Now, they are supporting the Shiv Sena," Athawale said here.

In the wake of these developments, the high profile Dalit leader urged Uddhav not to make attempts to split the RPI(A).

Athawale reminded Uddhav that it was the combination of 'Shiv Shakti-Bhim Shakti' which enabled the Shiv Sena to capture power in the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai two years ago.

Unmindful of Athawale's charge, Uddhav today welcomed the support of Dangle and Khambalkar saying that it would strengthen the Shiv Sena.

Reiterating his opposition to the RPI-BJP alliance, Dangle claimed it was done under pressure, and urged Athawale to return to the 'Shiv Shakti-Bhim Shakti' fold.

He contended that Athawale, who is of a 'clean and pure mind', took the decision after meeting BJP President Amit Shah earlier this week.

There was speculation in political circles that Dangle and Khambalkar could face action for publicly criticizing the alliance with the BJP, but some party officials discounted the possibility.