Pune: Vasant More, who recently parted ways with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) over differences regarding the Pune Lok Sabha election, met the president of Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA), Prakash Ambedkar, today. In his meeting with Ambedkar at Ambedkar’s house, it is learned that More has sought the support of Ambedkar and his party for his candidature in the Pune Lok Sabha constituency.
Having expressed his eagerness to contest the Pune Lok Sabha election, More explored various options after his departure from the MNS. After he quit his party, More met various leaders such as Sharad Pawar, Sanjay Raut, Mohan Joshi, Ravindra Dhangekar, etc. to explore the option of contesting the Pune Lok Sabha election on behalf of Mahavikas Aaghadi. However, his aspiration could not materialise as Mahavikas Aaghadi fielded Kasba MLA Ravindra Dhangekar as its official candidate. As a result, More has indicated his readiness to contest independently if necessary.
In the Pune Lok Sabha seat, the ex-mayor of PMC, Murlidhar Mohol, is in battle from the Mahayuti alliance, whereas Ravindra Dhangekar is in fray from Mahavikas Aaghadi. Therefore, it was considered a fiery contest between two equally strong candidates. However, this equation has changed after Vasant More also put his hat into the ring for the Pune Lok Sabha Election.
Following his failure to secure a ticket from Mahavikas Aaghadi, Vasant More expressed his determination, stating, “For which reason, I have left the party; there is no backtrack on that issue.” This statement highlighted his readiness to pursue an independent candidature for the Pune Lok Sabha seat if necessary. Consequently, More has been actively seeking new political alliances within the city to advance his electoral prospects. His recent meeting with Ambedkar is a step in this direction.
Recently, talks between Prakash Ambedkar of VBA and Mahavikas Aaghadi failed after VBA rejected the offer of contesting five seats from Mahavikas Aaghadi. After that, VBA also declared the first list of its nine candidates. More seized this opportunity and met Prakash Ambedkar to seek his support in the Pune Lok Sabha constituency. It is learned that two leaders had a detailed discussion regarding the Pune seat. However, it is interesting to see whether VBA will give its support to Vasant More in the coming election.
