2024 Lok Sabha polls | Uddhav, Sharad Pawar fighting for political survival: Prakash Ambedkar

At present, Maha Vikas Aghadi has three constituents – Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Sena (UBT). If VBA joins the Opposition, it becomes the fourth partner. So, I have proposed that all of us should come together under MVA. The total number of seats in Maharashtra is 48, so we can contest 12 each. The ball is in their court.

Are you not demanding more than what VBA deserves?

First of all, let me make it clear that nobody in the Opposition is seriously talking about the seat-sharing formula. Despite our initiative, VBA has received no response from INDIA bloc at the national level nor MVA in Maharashtra. There are statements once in a while that Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar will raise the inclusion of VBA in INDIA bloc, but we have no formal information. What is surprising is that even the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Sena (UBT) are engaged in political upmanship with each other. So I took the lead and suggested what was workable and the best formula. Currently, the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Sena (UBT), and VBA are equal in terms of political standing.

But all three have been in power and won seats, unlike VBA

If they are so powerful and have a vote bank, why are they desperate for alliances? In the 2019 LS elections, Congress won only one LS seat from Maharashtra, the NCP won only four, and Sena was then in an alliance with BJP. Yes, it won 18 seats but not on its own strength. Today, Sena is divided – Uddhav faction and Shinde faction. NCP has also split, led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. I would say that both Thackeray and Sharad Pawar are fighting for survival of their respective parties. In such a situation, each alliance partner should be treated as equal.
VBA has often been accused of playing spoiler. In 2019, the Cong–NCP combine lost 12 LS seats because of division of votes

Even we can say the same about them. Had they not cut into our votes, VBA would have won 12 LS and 32 Assembly seats. Every party has the right to contest. We do not fight for power alone, we fight on issues. Our fight is against the communal agenda and divisive politics of BJP/ RSS.

But Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed 23 seats for his party

When Sena and BJP were allies, they got to contest 23 seats. But now it is no longer in a two-party alliance. Several MLAs and MPs have joined Shinde Sena. They have to reconcile to the ground reality.

What is the status of Sena (UBT)-VBA alliance formed last year?

Yes, we are still allies. But everything will depend on what stand Thackeray takes vis-a-vis the INDIA block and the MVA. Everything is uncertain on their front. The VBA is clear about its poll strategy. There are three options. If the MVA agrees to a partnership with the VBA – the formula is 12 seats for each partner. The second option is a two-party alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the VBA with each contesting 24 seats. In that case, the Sena’s demand for 23 seats is met. The third option is the VBA not joining anybody and contesting all 48 seats in the state.

Did you have any meeting with Sharad Pawar Friday night?

We have already communicated our stand to all MVA constituents and they are aware of it. As far as meeting Sharad Pawar is concerned, my answer is no. I visited Motibaug in Pune to meet my sister. It is a coincidence that Sharad Pawar also lives in the same colony. Even Supriya Sule has said there was no such meeting.

What are your views on the INDIA front?

I don’t think it will head anywhere. Except for Lalu Prasad and Mamata Banerjee, nobody has the courage to fight PM Narendra Modi and BJP. Everyone else in the INDIA bloc is shaky. They don’t take a firm stand against Modi. In such a scenario, you can’t have a strong opposition which is necessary to fight BJP.

What is the reason?

It is obvious. Modi has given them two options. Either they protect their families or politics. I don’t want to single out any party or leader. But it is evident to everybody who closely follows politics that the Opposition is divided. Or else, why did they not include us in the INDIA bloc? I wrote to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in September 2023. They did not respond. We were not even considered for the INDIA meet in Mumbai.

BJP is seeking a mandate for Modi, Bharat in 2024. What issue do you believe will work?

The issues that affect people are inflation, unemployment and the agrarian crisis. On all fronts, the Modi government has failed and they know it. The subsidy on fuel and gas cylinders is to fix the wrong. On the economic front, BJP has failed. Unfortunately, the Opposition is fragmented and so they are not able to exploit the ground reality and address public concerns.

What is the poll plank of VBA?

We have been the most vocal against the agenda of BJP and RSS. We held the Save Constitution rally last month. BJP and RSS are here to rewrite the Indian Constitution. We have to fight them tooth and nail. The Indian Constitution has provided dignity to individuals irrespective of caste, class, community and religion. An attack on the Constitution means an attack on the poor, the oppressed, and backward segments of society. VBA is championing the cause of Dalits, tribals, OBCs, poor Marathas et al.

Will Maratha vs OBC reservation issue impact 2024 polls?

It will have the maximum impact in the Marathwada region, apart from parts of north Maharashtra. In Vidarbha, it is not an issue as Marathas use Kunbi certificates to avail OBC reservation since the implementation of Mandal Commission recommendations in 1992.

Who do you think will have the upper hand in 2024 polls?

It can’t be predicted right now. We have to wait and see how alliances evolve, both in the ruling and Opposition camps. Secondly, despite alliances, the fight will be on several fronts. In some way, this will be the first election that will see Sena (UBT) versus Sena (Shinde faction). It will also see NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) versus NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). So, every constituency will throw up surprises. It is going to be a complex permutation and combination.