As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach in November 2024, the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA), led by Prakash Ambedkar, has released its second list of candidates, comprising all 10 Muslim candidates. This announcement reflects VBA’s commitment to enhancing representation for the Muslim community within the state’s political landscape.
In a post on social media platform X, Ambedkar expressed his satisfaction with the announcement, stating, “The Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi is pleased to declare its second list.” This move comes on the heels of a significant political shift, as a group of 10 Muslim leaders from the Congress party held a press conference arranged by VBA to announce their decision to join the new party.
The leaders cited dissatisfaction with the Congress party’s perceived “soft-Hindutva” stance as a primary reason for their departure. Khatib Syed Natiquddin, one of the leaders who transitioned to VBA, emphasized the need for equal representation for Muslims, declaring, “There should be no compromise on the equal participation of Muslims.” His name is also included in the candidate list for the upcoming assembly elections.
This second list follows the first VBA candidate announcement last month, which included 11 candidates. Prakash Ambedkar’s party has positioned itself as a voice for marginalized communities, aiming to create a more inclusive political environment in Maharashtra.
Previously, Ambedkar was aligned with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which consists of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, after failed seat-sharing negotiations, the MVA has opted to contest the elections independently.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, the VBA’s focus on Muslim representation may significantly impact the upcoming elections and the broader dynamics of the state’s political discourse. Voters will be closely watching how these developments unfold as parties prepare for the electoral battle ahead.
