Mumbai: In a major transfer, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray get together, or Shiv Sena (UBT) introduced an alliance with the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) Monday. The alliance comes forward of upcoming civic physique elections in lots of components of Maharashtra, together with the Brihanmumbai Municipal company (BMC) polls that are anticipated to be held this yr.
Whereas the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Maha Vikas Aghadi allies — the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Get together (NCP) — have welcomed the announcement, it isn’t but clear how the VBA can be accommodated inside the MVA.
Addressing a joint press convention with Ambedkar, Uddhav Thackeray stated, “At present is twenty third January, the beginning anniversary of Balasaheb Thackeray. I’m happy and blissful that a number of folks of Maharashtra needed us to return collectively and I’m right here to announce an alliance with Prakash Ambedkar. (Prabodhankar) Thackeray (my grandfather) and Ambedkar (Babasaheb) have a historical past and our grandfathers have been colleagues who fought in opposition to social points at the moment.” Prakash is the grandson of B.R. Ambedkar, a nationwide chief and dalit icon, who headed the committee which drafted the Indian Structure.
Speaking concerning the alliance, Prakash Ambedkar stated, “As of now solely two of us are collectively. Congress hasn’t accepted the alliance but. However I hope they are going to come on board and everybody is aware of my relationship with Sharad Pawar (NCP chief). My variations with him are primarily based on course and management. It isn’t private. However I’m hopeful NCP may also type an alliance.”
To this, Thackeray added, “Even our relation with Congress and NCP was identified. However three years in the past we got here shut and shaped MVA. I’ve spoken to Congress and NCP too. I don’t suppose they’ve any points with you (Ambedkar). Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena all of us have political mates and we should always come collectively.” Shiv Sena below Uddhav Thackeray has had variations with the Congress and NCP up to now, whereas being an ally of the BJP.
When NCP chief Sharad Pawar was requested about the opportunity of a Shiv Sena (UBT) and VBA alliance Sunday, he had stated, “I’m not conscious of any improvement. And I don’t even get entangled in this stuff.”
When ThePrint spoke with Congress and NCP leaders Monday, nevertheless, they welcomed the choice.
The Bhim Shakti-Shiv Shakti experiment (an alliance of the Shiv Sena and dalit leaders) was carried out by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in 2012 forward of the then BMC elections, when it tied up with dalit rights activist Ramdas Athawale’s Republican Get together of India (A). Nevertheless, with Athawale now with the BJP, Thackeray is making an attempt one other Bhim Shakti-Shiv Shakti entrance with the VBA alliance, to attract dalit votes.
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Significance of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi
The tie-up with VBA may revive the fortunes of Uddhav’s get together, particularly in Vidarbha the place Ambedkar’s VBA has a robust presence, after the break up within the Shiv Sena, following the Eknath Shinde-led revolt which led to the formation of the Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena get together final yr.
The VBA contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election in alliance with the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Though it didn’t win a single seat, the VBA garnered 14 per cent of the full votes polled within the state, and reportedly dented the Congress’s prospects in not less than seven seats.
Whereas the VBA’s efficiency within the Maharashtra meeting election later that yr was additionally lacklustre, the Congress blamed the get together for its losses in not less than 25 seats.
Speaking concerning the Shiv Sena (UBT)-VBA alliance Monday, Atul Londhe, Congress spokesperson for Maharashtra, stated, “We welcome all such events who consider in Structure and believes that democracy is at risk. And formulation of seat sharing for elections can be mentioned afterward. BJP acquired extra numbers all through the nation due to division of votes and if anybody desires to keep away from that division, it’s a welcome step.”
NCP nationwide spokesperson Clyde Crasto added: “It’s a good signal, and like-minded folks ought to all the time come collectively and combat the divisive forces so it’s a really welcome signal. If he has joined Sena, he turns into part of MVA as Shiv Sena (UBT) is an integral a part of MVA. As a supporter and ally of Shiv Sena, he turns into part of MVA. And extra like minded folks ought to come collectively.”
On variations between the NCP and Ambedkar, Crasto stated, “In politics no one is a everlasting pal or an enemy. And any pal of Shiv Sena is a pal of ours. So MVA will welcome it and when the time comes for seat sharing, it is going to occur when the precise course of begins. So resolution can be taken accordingly that point.”
Thackeray additionally stated that the seat sharing formulation can be mentioned later. “As soon as we resolve on who will contest from the place, we are going to talk about seat sharing. You noticed how we just lately adjusted within the upcoming MLC elections (to be held later this month). Equally, I anticipate there can be understanding going ahead.”
(Edited by Poulomi Banerjee)
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