Prakash Ambedkar Rejects MVA Seat-Share Talks, Accuses Nana Patole of ‘Mind Games’

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In a dramatic turn of events, Prakash Ambedkar, President of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), has refused the invitation from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for seat-sharing talks, accusing the state Congress President Nana Patole of playing ‘mind games.’

The MVA, comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), had extended a formal invitation to the VBA to participate in Lok Sabha seat-sharing discussions scheduled for this evening.

However, in a strongly-worded letter addressed to Patole, Ambedkar dismissed the invitation, suggesting that there might be a ‘locha’ (muddle) in Patole’s brain or he could be playing mind games with the people of Maharashtra.

Ambedkar’s letter demanded that the invitation be signed by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray, instead of Patole. This condition has added a new twist to the ongoing political developments.

The MVA’s initial invitation emphasized that Ambedkar, being vocal on issues like dictatorship and safeguarding the Constitution, was invited to participate in the seat-sharing talks.

Responding to Ambedkar’s latest condition, an MVA leader suggested that Ambedkar might be attempting a backdoor entry into the I.N.D.I.A. bloc after getting an opportunity to join the Maharashtra alliance.

In a counterattack, Ambedkar criticized Patole, highlighting the conflicting statements within the Congress leadership. He pointed out that the AICC In-charge for Maharashtra, Ramesh Chennithala, had recently stated that VBA would be included in MVA once the elections were announced.

Ambedkar questioned Patole’s authority, claiming that the Congress high-command had not given him decision-making power for alliance and coalition-related matters in Maharashtra.

Despite the standoff, the MVA eventually bowed to VBA’s demands and issued the invitation on a letterhead signed by Patole, NCP (SP) state President Jayant Patil, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. The negotiations for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state are set to take place at a private hotel in Nariman Point on January 25.

Ambedkar reiterated VBA’s eagerness to be part of both the MVA and the national Opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc. The party emphasized the need for Opposition unity to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming 2024 parliamentary polls. However, Ambedkar expressed frustration with the Congress, accusing them of ‘killing time with new excuses each time.’

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