BBM refuses to withdraw from alliance with AIMIM

Mumbai: The Congress’ alliance talks with the Prakash Ambedkar-led Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) seem to have failed, as the former did not accept the proposal to withdraw from its alliance with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

Senior Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders on Tuesday visited BBM president Prakash Ambedkar’s home to hold a meeting with him over the alliance formation in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. The talks proved inconclusive, as Mr Ambedkar remained firm over his stand to contest the general election with AIMIM. However, the Congress leaders still claimed that the talks have not failed and discussion would continue.

The state Congress president Ashok Chavan, senior congress leader Manikrao Thakre, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal met Mr Ambedkar at Raja Gruha to discuss the possibility of snapping the ‘Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’. This Aghadi is formed by BBM with AIMIM.

Mr Ambedkar said that the talks are at standstill. However, he has demanded an action plan for the elimination of parallel administration in government run by RSS.

The Dalit leader said that the Congress leaders have assured that they would discuss this issue with their high commands. However, they did not respond to this demand.  

BBM chief claimed that the talks have not failed; his party had already demanded 12 seats for Mahagathbandhan.