VBA to contest elections only on public issues: Prakash Ambedkar

“We are contesting the elections on issues of general public. Water is an issue close to every resident... The VBA will be taking it up during the Assembly elections. We will also take up the issue of unemployment,” he said.

Prakash Ambedkar, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, VBA, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, AIMIM, Asaduddin Owaisi, Maharashtra Assembly polls, Maharashtra Assembly elections

Ambedkar said the BJP considers an election as an event and so they call it as an “utsav”(File)

Hitting out at the ruling BJP, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar on Monday said elections should be contested on the issues of public, adding that he was committed to stick to those issues.

“We are contesting the elections on issues of general public. Water is an issue close to every resident… The VBA will be taking it up during the Assembly elections. We will also take up the issue of unemployment,” he said.

On the recent statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that all was well in the country, Ambedkar sarcastically said, “I agree with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that all is well in the country: the banks are in huge losses, unemployment has increased, economy is falling down and there is an environment of fear in the country.”

He said the BJP considers an election as an event and so they call it as an “utsav”. “We contest the elections by giving hope to people of their development and progress in the next five years,” Ambedkar said.

The VBA leader said if brought to power, his party would divert the water from hydropower projects to supply for drinking and agriculture. “The equitable distribution of water, which will ensure sufficient water availability for farming in drought-prone areas and drinking water supply, will be our priority,” he said.

Stating that the country has sufficient electricity to meet the demand even during peak hours, the VBA leader said: “The water that is being used for hydropower generation should be stopped and instead be used for farming and drinking supply needs in public interest.”

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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