Anandraj Ambedkar says will contest polls from Amravati

The Amravati contest has become a multi-cornered one with the BJP fielding sitting MP Navneet Rana, who is challenged by Congress’ Balwant Wankhede, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s Prajakta Pillewan and Prahar Janshakti Party leader Dinesh Bub.

Anandraj Yashwant Ambedkar (Wikipedia)

After claiming that he was withdrawing from the electoral fray due to non-cooperation from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Anandraj Ambedkar, the younger brother of VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, said on Sunday that he would contest the elections from Amravati.

On April 2, Anandraj Ambedkar had filed his candidature and subsequently the VBA also decided not to field a candidate and announced its support to Anandraj Ambedkar on April 4. However, Anandraj announced his withdrawal from the election claiming that the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi delayed in announcing its support and that the claim of VBA’s support was a farce.

Expressing his displeasure over the delay in extending support to him, Anandraj Ambedkar also alleged that the VBA’s state office-bearers had asked the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) workers not to participate in Anandraj Ambedkar’s nomination rally. Following which, on Thursday, Anandraj announced that he will not contest the elections.

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However, in a twist on Sunday, Anandraj said after he announced not to contest, Ambedkarites expressed their displeasure over the decision and insisted that he should contest the elections and hence he has now decided to contest the election.

“Ambedkarites expressed their displeasure on my decision and many even warned they would self-immolate. After seeing the outcry of Ambedkarites people, I have decided to contest the elections, respecting their sentiments,” Anandraj said.

The Amravati contest has become a multi-cornered one with the BJP fielding sitting MP Navneet Rana, who is challenged by Congress’ Balwant Wankhede, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s Prajakta Pillewan and Prahar Janshakti Party leader Dinesh Bub.