Prakash Ambedkar’s VBA: A Force to Reckon With Despite Electoral Setbacks
Mumbai, 6th June 2024: The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), led by Prakash Ambedkar, didn’t secure victories in Maharashtra, but its impact was felt in four constituencies where its votes surpassed the winning margins of BJP and its allies. Despite a decrease in vote share since 2019, the VBA’s presence influenced the electoral outcomes in Akola, Buldhana, Hatkanangle, and Mumbai North-West, potentially altering Mahayuti’s tally from 18 to 14 had there been an alliance between MVA and Ambedkar, experts suggest. Negotiations between Congress, its allies, and Ambedkar failed due to his demand for six seats, resulting in independent contestation.
Post-election analysis is underway, with Ambedkar expressing disappointment over their candidates’ performance. The VBA’s significance in 2019, when it secured over 41.3 lakh votes across Maharashtra’s 48 Lok Sabha seats, particularly in three-cornered contests, highlights its pro-dalit orientation. Notable losses for Congress and NCP in 2019 included Ashok Chavan and Rajendra Shingane, attributed to vote splits caused by the VBA. However, its vote share in 2024 significantly decreased to 0.24%, garnering 15.79 lakh votes from its previous 14.75%.
For the upcoming assembly polls, the VBA will decide on potential alliances after assessing the political landscape. Notably, most VBA candidates secured third, fourth, or fifth positions in the 38 contested seats, including Ambedkar himself in Akola. Despite its support base encompassing Buddhist, Dalit, and minority communities, victories eluded the VBA, with BJP’s Anup Dhotre clinching Akola and Mahayuti’s Ravindra Waikar securing Mumbai Northwest by a narrow margin.
