Lok Sabha Elections : Vasant More Enters Pune Polls as VBA Candidate, Creating Triangular Contest

Pune, April 4, 2024 : The political landscape of Pune took an intriguing turn late Tuesday evening as the Vanchit Bahujan Agadhi (VBA) declared former Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Vasant More as their nominee for the Pune parliamentary seat.

This announcement sets the stage for what promises to be a riveting three-way battle, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) represented by Murlidhar Mohol and the Congress fielding Ravindra Dhangekar.

What adds an interesting twist to this development is the VBA’s decision to refrain from fielding any candidate in the neighboring Baramati constituency, opting instead to throw their support behind Supriya Sule’s candidacy. This strategic move aims to consolidate support behind Sule, who is pitted against Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Ajit Pawar, in Baramati.

Vasant More’s journey to becoming the VBA candidate began with a meeting with VBA leader Prakash Ambedkar in Mumbai last Friday, which he described as “positive.” Expressing gratitude for the backing of his candidature, More stated, “I thank VBA leader Prakash Ambedkar for supporting my nomination.”

Formally joining the VBA on April 4, More brings with him a significant following, particularly in Katraj, the southern region of Pune. His departure from MNS, where he served as a three-time PMC corporator, occurred on March 13. Previously successful in assembly polls from the Khadakwasla constituency, More’s candidacy holds weight in the political arena.

His outreach efforts extended beyond party lines, meeting with various leaders including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule of the NCP (SCP), Mohan Joshi of Congress, and Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT). However, failing to secure assurance of candidature from these parties, More sought refuge in the VBA.

Despite lacking a dedicated cadre in Pune, the VBA commands support among economically and socially marginalized groups. More’s entry into the fray potentially divides votes, a scenario that political observers speculate could favor BJP’s Mohol.

In addition to More’s nomination, the VBA also announced candidates for other constituencies, including Avinash Bosikar for Nanded, Babasaheb Ugale for Parbhani, Afsar Khan for Aurangabad, and Mangaldas Bandal for Shirur. In Shirur, Bandal’s candidacy may intensify the contest, making it triangular with the NCP’s Shivajirao Adhalrao and Amol Kolhe of NCP (SCP).