Prakash Ambedkar Keeps Maha Vikas Aghadi On Its Toes

 Republican leader Prakash Ambedkar has been administering one jolt after another to the embattled Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) over his changing demands regarding seat distribution for the coming Lok Sabha election. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) founded by Ambedkar has reportedly demanded half a dozen seats whereas MVA leaders are not inclined to grant it more than three. Therefore, Ambedkar’s present warning to his followers not to attend any MVA discussions for seat sharing without his clearance has once again added to the suspense. Ambedkar had kept himself away from all major parties in the 2019 LS election, causing the defeat of several candidates across the board all over Maharashtra. Hence, MVA leaders are not taking any chances with him this time. They are scheduled to meet in Mumbai on March 7-8 to finalise their seat sharing formula and candidates, too, perhaps. Veteran leader Sharad Pawar has said that VBA would be welcome to team up with MVA if it were willing. Pawar once upon a time had eschewed Ambedkar and had taken his Republican adversary Ramdas Athavale along. However, Athavale has donned the saffron garb while Ambedkar has chosen his own path. His influence is still substantial in some areas though not enough to win seats but certainly more than enough to defeat certain contestants. As this is a battle for survival for MVA, efforts to woo Ambedkar have intensified, notwithstanding his varying stance.