proud of the act carried out by the accused. He also tweeted that Sambhaji Brigade was not involved in the act, even when the outfit had claimed responsibility for the action. The vandalism was largely seen as an attempt to garner votes by playing the community card in the city's civic elections which were due to be held in a few weeks. Reservation Ambedkarite lawyer Gunaratna Sadavarte was attacked in December 2018 by a worker affiliated to the outfit. Ink thrown at journalist On 5 December 2021, two activists of Sambhaji Brigade hurled ink at a journalist and writer Girish Kuber in Nashik in protest against some controversial references about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in his book. Leadership Purushottam Khedekar is one of the founders of this organisation. He is also a prominent leader in the Maratha Seva Sangh, a related organisation and co-founder of Shiva Dharma. Khedekar has written several hateful and anti-Brahmin propaganda books like Bhatta Cha Kardhankal (a book with virulently anti-Brahmin propaganda) and Maharaj Mala Maaf Kara (Translates as "Your Majesty, I ask for your forgiveness". This book abused 17th century Marathi Hindu saint Samarth Ramdas. Pune Police issued an arrest warrant against Khedekar for inciting anti-Brahmin feelings and causing caste discrimination. In 2015 he submitted an affidavit in the court and apologized unconditionally for his remarks on Brahmin women. Shiva Dharma The Maratha Seva Sangh, founded by Khedekar, has been demanding reservations for the Maratha community and is also supporting creation of a new religion of its own called 'Shiva Dharma' References External links http://www.sambhajibrigade.in/ Ethnocentrism Far-right politics in India Organisations based in Maharashtra Organizations with year of establishment missing