After talks with MVA fail, Prakash Ambedkar’s VBA to contest polls with OBC Maha Sangh support

The move is a setback for the MVA alliance of the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar’s NCP and the Congress, which had been trying to reach a consensus with Ambedkar over seat-sharing.

VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar (Express File Photo)

Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), which was in talks with Maha Vikas Aghadi for an alliance, announced Wednesday that it would contest the Lok Sabha elections with the support of the Other Backward Class Maha Sangha.

He also announced eight candidates for the 2024 polls.

The move is a setback for the MVA alliance of the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar’s NCP and the Congress, which had been trying to reach a consensus with Ambedkar over seat-sharing.

The alliance was formed to contest the 2019 elections. The VBA then contested 47 Lok Sabha seats and polled 6.92 per cent votes, leading to the Congress and the NCP losing around nine seats.

In the Assembly polls, the party contested 236 out of the 288 seats and got 4.58 per cent votes, leading to the Congress and the NCP candidates losing 22 seats.

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Analysts say that consolidation of VBA votes in favour of the MVA would have strengthened its chances in around nine Lok Sabha seats.

While VBA candidates in these eight constituencies polled between 50,000 and 1.5 lakh votes, many feel that was the difference between victory and defeat for Congress and NCP candidates in these seats in 2019.

The seats the Congress and the NCP lost owing to the VBA candidates’ presence were Nanded, Solapur, Sangli, Buldhana, Hatkanangle (Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana’s Raju Shetti), Parbhani, Gadchiroli, Hingoli, Akola.

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Congress leader Ashok Chavan lost Nanded and Sushil Kumar Shinde lost Solapur by fewer votes than what Ambedkar’s party managed to poll in the two constituencies.

Also Read | Battlelines drawn in Maharashtra for first phase of Lok Sabha polls

This year by giving the slogan of Ekla Chalo Re, Ambedkar has announced an alliance with the OBC Maha Sangh. This dampens the chances of MVA candidates in some seats, as per political analysts.

Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, allied with the Shiv Sena (UBT) in 2023.

Talks with Jarange

Ambedkar said he had spoken to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and that he had the latter’s support. He met Patil early Wednesday at Antarwali Sarathi village in Jalna district where the Maratha activist resides.

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After the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, Ambedkar told reporters, “Lok Sabha polls are just round the corner. We talked about the elections.”

Asked whether the VBA would have an election understanding with Patil, the Dalit leader said, “We will let you know at the appropriate time.”

For his part, Patil urged members of the Maratha community to seek people’s opinion on fielding an independent candidate in every Lok Sabha constituency in the state.

“When we receive opinions and reports, we will decide the way forward,” he said.

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Support for Congress

Last week Ambedkar expressed displeasure with the Sena (UBT) and the NCP for their attitude towards his party and offered support for the Congress in seven Lok Sabha seats.

On March 23, Ambedkar said he was calling off his party’s alliance with the Sena (UBT). He said his party was officially offered only three seats, including Akola. However, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the VBA was still a part of the MVA and that discussions with Ambedkar were still on.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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