In the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Prakash Ambedkar, leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), clarified his party's position on Friday. He announced that if the VBA wins enough seats, they would support the side capable of forming a government. Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, posted on the social media platform X that 'if VBA needs to support any party or coalition to form a government, we will side with those who can govern. We will choose power.'
Ambedkar's declaration has ignited intense political discussions. The VBA has put forward candidates for 200 out of the 288 seats in the Maharashtra assembly. In the 2019 elections, the party contested 236 seats but unfortunately didn’t secure any wins. However, their vote share was 5.5% in those areas, indicating a segment of voter backing.
This time, Prakash Ambedkar and his party have aggressively campaigned and addressed various social issues. During their promotional phase, the VBA has strongly advocated for the rights of Dalits, tribals, and other marginalized groups. Ambedkar's statement is viewed as a strategic move to keep themselves relevant in the post-election political landscape.
The voting for the Maharashtra Assembly elections concluded on November 20, with all eyes now on the results due on November 23. Should VBA enhance its performance this time, it could assume a new role in Maharashtra's political scene. Experts suggest that the VBA's stance could elevate the chances of coalition opportunities with other parties to form a government. It remains to be seen what changes the VBA can bring with its performance and whether it emerges as a decisive force in the state's politics.
