Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar launched a sharp critique against the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday, asserting that the party has severely damaged its political credibility by forming an alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Ambedkar made these remarks during his visit to Kolhapur city, where he addressed a public gathering named 'Vijayi Sankalp Mahasabha'.
Alliance Damages Sena's Core Support, Says Ambedkar
Ambedkar argued that the decision of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to join hands with Raj Thackeray's MNS has backfired politically. He stated that this move has led to a significant erosion of support from crucial voter blocs. The Kunbi community, Mathadi workers, and non-Marathi groups in the Konkan region are now distancing themselves from Shiv Sena (UBT), according to the VBA chief. He emphasized that this partnership has compromised the party's standing with its traditional base.
Building a Coalition for Civic Body Polls
Shifting focus to the impending municipal elections across Maharashtra, Prakash Ambedkar outlined plans for a broad opposition front. He declared that a strong anti-BJP front would be established specifically for the upcoming civic polls. In a significant move towards decentralizing strategy, he mentioned that local politicians and units have been empowered to take necessary decisions to forge this coalition at the grassroots level.
This statement gains context amid speculation about VBA's role following the Congress party's announcement to contest the Mumbai municipal elections independently. Political observers suggest that Ambedkar's VBA might extend support to the Congress in the city's electoral battle.
Rallying Call Against BJP in Evening Address
Later in the evening, at a public rally held at Dasara Chowk in Kolhapur, Ambedkar intensified his political rhetoric against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He accused the BJP of having a singular motive: to turn voters into slaves. Referring to the Bihar assembly elections, he claimed that despite a seemingly one-sided result, many voters privately assert they never supported the BJP.
Ambedkar concluded with a clarion call for the local body elections. "In the upcoming civic body polls, we must ensure that the BJP does not come to power," he urged the gathered crowd, framing the municipal contests as a critical battle for democratic resistance.
