Pune News : As Maharashtra readies itself for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the political landscape is rife with uncertainties and strategic maneuvers. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition comprising Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress, is entangled in complex negotiations with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), and the air is thick with mistrust and growing tensions.
The MVA, presenting itself as a united front to safeguard “democracy,” has engaged in multiple discussions with the VBA to form an alliance. However, the talks are stalled at a preliminary stage, with VBA president Prakash Ambedkar taking a bold step by declaring himself a candidate from Akola. Ambedkar also issued a directive for party workers to abstain from participating in any MVA programs until further notice, intensifying the political dilemma faced by MVA supporters.
At the core of this impasse is the VBA’s firm stance, bolstered by its emergence as a significant political force in 2019. The VBA, formerly Bahujan Mahasangh, allied with AIMIM and gained momentum during the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, campaigning against the Devendra Fadnavis government. Although the VBA did not secure a win in 2019, it influenced around nine seats in Maharashtra with a decisive seven percent vote share, impacting Congress and NCP.
Amidst the ongoing negotiations, there is a growing apprehension among MVA leaders that the VBA might eventually opt for a solo run in the elections, potentially affecting the MVA’s electoral prospects.
The suspicion arises from the VBA’s tentative engagement in alliance discussions, reminiscent of the 2019 scenario where last-minute demands led to the collapse of negotiations. Recent events echo this pattern, with the VBA presenting conditions for the alliance, including the demand for a minimum of 15% tickets for OBC candidates without specifying the number of seats it seeks in the coalition.
The VBA’s claim of a committed 4% vote share underscores its ambition for a substantial role in the elections. However, the MVA responds cautiously, showing reluctance to be the first to concede ground, wary of repeating past scenarios where accommodating VBA’s demands proved challenging.
Political observers suggest that the VBA’s strong position may be a strategic move to stretch negotiations to a breaking point, potentially forcing the other side to call off the alliance talks. This standoff occurs against the backdrop of social pressure from civil society organizations advocating for the ouster of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the Centre.
