Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi announces Lok Sabha candidates

Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) revealed its second list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. This follows the party's decision to contest independently after discussions with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) yielded no agreement on seat-sharing.

New candidates

The latest list includes 11 candidates, such as Abdul Hasan Khan from Mumbai North Central, Dr. BD Chavan from Hingoli, and Rahul Gaikwad from Satara, among others. The VBA, led by Prakash Ambedkar, chose candidates based on their caste influence in respective constituencies. The party aims to field representatives who haven't been part of the lower house for many years, ensuring diverse representation.

Earlier, the VBA announced eight candidates, including Prakash Ambedkar himself contesting from Akola Lok Sabha constituency. Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, has won twice from Akola but faced losses in subsequent elections.

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Caste-based representation

Ambedkar defended the caste-based selection, citing the need for OBCs, Nomadic Tribes, Muslims, Jains, and Marathas to have parliamentary representation. He highlighted the importance of countering BJP-led polarization.

The VBA's decision to contest independently led to concerns from senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan. He expressed that without VBA's support, Congress votes might split, benefiting the BJP. Efforts to include VBA in the MVA alliance for a united anti-BJP front were unsuccessful.

Ambedkar accused Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut of betrayal after failed seat-sharing talks with the MVA. The VBA's move to go solo in the elections reflects a strategic shift in Maharashtra's political landscape.

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