The Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena and the People`s Republican Party of India (Jogendra Kawade) on Wednesday announced an alliance, a boost to the Shinde camp ahead of the civic and local bodies polls in Maharashtra.

The alliance assumes significance as it is expected to bring in the Dalit votes for the Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena, which is seeking to consolidate its base.
Addressing a joint news conference with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Kawade said the alliance is only with the `Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena`.