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After months of deliberation and uncertainty, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition has announced the inclusion of Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) into its fold. However, the decision was marred by complaints from Mr. Ambedkar regarding the treatment of his party’s representative at a crucial seat-sharing meeting held in Mumbai.
The MVA, consisting of the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray, the Congress, and the NCP led by Sharad Pawar, convened at Mumbai’s Hotel Trident for extensive discussions on seat-sharing and the incorporation of smaller parties like the VBA into the alliance.
Following the meeting, Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut announced that the MVA had bolstered its ranks by welcoming several new parties, including the VBA, along with the Left parties and the Peasant and Workers Party of India (PWP). Raut expressed optimism about the coalition’s future prospects with its newfound allies.
However, Prakash Ambedkar voiced dissatisfaction with the treatment of his party’s state vice-president during the meeting, citing a lack of respect accorded to the VBA. Despite this, he reiterated the VBA’s commitment to joining the MVA, emphasizing the priority of defeating the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ambedkar stated the VBA’s intention to join the MVA in the next meeting, despite reservations about the handling of the seat-sharing process.
Shortly after the meeting, Dr. Dhairyavardhan Pundkar, a representative of the VBA, lamented the alleged ‘insult’ suffered by the party, claiming that its representatives were sidelined for nearly an hour. However, Raut dismissed these claims, asserting that the VBA representatives were actively involved in the discussions and were provided with the necessary documentation regarding their inclusion in the MVA.
Raut also dispelled notions of discord within the MVA, affirming Ambedkar’s attendance at the upcoming February 2 meeting of coalition parties.
The decision to include the VBA in the MVA comes after the Congress delegated the responsibility of negotiations with the VBA to key leaders within the party. Despite forming an alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the past, Ambedkar had expressed frustration over the Congress’s reluctance to incorporate the VBA into the opposition coalition.
The hesitation from the Congress and the NCP stems from the VBA’s impact on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where its alliance with the AIMIM led to a fragmentation of Ambedkarite-minority votes, adversely affecting the prospects of Congress candidates in several constituencies.
As the MVA navigates through its evolving dynamics, the inclusion of the VBA marks a significant development in Maharashtra’s political landscape, underscoring the complexities of coalition politics and the quest for unity in the face of formidable opposition.
Also Read: Question of maintaining their existence in RS before MVA in Feb 27 RS polls
