Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Blow to MVA as Ambedkar’s VBA decides to go solo, releases first list of 8 candidates

VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar revealed the names of eight candidates for the upcoming elections, with himself included as a candidate from the Akola constituency.

Written by India News Desk

Updated: March 27, 2024 14:00 IST

Prakash Ambedkar. (FIle Image)

Hinting at a possible breakdown in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar announced on Wednesday party’s decision to contest independently in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The party has also released its first list of eight candidates, with one candidate’s name set to be announced at 4 PM today. The party has decided to field Sanjay Kevat from Bhandara-Gondia, Hitesh Madavi from Gadchiroli, Rajesh Bele, Vasant Magar from Buldhana, Prakajkta Pillewar, Rajendra Salunkhe from Wardha, and Khemsingh Pawar from Yavatmal-Washim.

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“We have decided to contest elections on our own. We took the decision at our party’s meeting last night,” the VBA chief stated, subtly suggesting a potential formation of a third front.

Ambedkar’s announcement follows his recent split from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Previously, he had set a deadline of March 26 for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance to finalise seat-sharing negotiations.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: Shiv Sena (UBT) announces first list of 17 candidates; Anil Desai clinches Mumbai South Central seat

While addressing a press conference in Maharashtra, he accused MVA allies – Congress, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), and Shiv Sena (UBT) – of trying to exploit his party to advance dynastic politics. “They (the MVA parties were trying to use VBA for promoting dynastic politics which we have tried to resist,” Ambedkar said.

Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr. BR Ambedkar, revealed the names of eight candidates for the upcoming elections, with himself included as a candidate from the Akola constituency.

Also Read:Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Congress releases 7th list of candidates, drops Mani Shankar Aiyar from Tamil Nadu

Furthermore, he accused MVA allies of neglecting the influence of Maratha activist Manoj Jarange. According to him, Jarange has pledged support to VBA candidates in the initial phase.

Ambedkar also mentioned that the party’s state committee had deliberated on fielding candidates from OBC, Muslim, Jain communities, and economically disadvantaged sections of society.