The Congress party is looking forward to ally with Prakash Ambedkar’s party, Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh ahead of Maharashtra state elections and 2019 general elections. Ashok Chavan, Maharashtra state Congress chief has said that discussions are on but nothing has been decided yet. The Indian Express quoted him as saying, “We want to take the BBM along for the next year’s election. I am sure a decision in this regard will be made soon.”
Ambedkar is also in talks with Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM to form an alliance. The AIMIM wants Ambedkar to form an alliance of ‘bahujan’ parties, be it Dalit or Muslims. However, Congress wants no connection with Owaisi but is keen to bring BBM on board. Sachin Sawant, Cogress spokesperson had tweeted, AIMIM has the same agenda as the BJP. They are both busy polarising the masses”.
The NCP is also said to be looking for an alliance with BBM. But Ambedkar has a dislike for Sharad Pawar’s NCP. Referring to this situation, NCP leader, Nawab Malik said, “The Congress leaders will meet Ambedkar’s representatives in a couple of days and the progress of the talks will be discussed in the next meeting of the Congress and the NCP”. Chavan also maintained that all the differences will be resolved after the discussion regarding the same.
AIMIM leader, Imitiaz Jaleel said that both BBM and AIMIM will hold a rally on October 2nd and decision regarding the alliance will be taken. He also revealed that BBM is unlikely to tie-up with Congress as the BBM had asked 12 seats from them and the party is not ready to compromise on that. Answering the queries whether AIMIM will join hands with Congress, he said that the decision will be taken on October 2 itself.
On Wednesday, The Congress held a meeting at the official residence of Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil (Congress). Some of the top leaders present in the meeting were Ashok Chavan, opposition leader in the legislative assembly, Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam, former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and some other leaders.
Talking to the reporters, Chavan said that the possibilities of tying up with smaller parties were discussed at the meeting. The Congress had earlier appointed Vikhe Patil to talk with smaller parties such as Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna, Loktantrik Janata Dal etc..
He also said that they will hold a discussion with Ambedkar to resolve the issue. The Congress is likely to hold another such meeting in next few days.
Ambedkar, who is the grandson of Baba Saheb Ambedkar has quite an influence on Dalit population, especially in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region.