MUMBAI: While the dominant political parties continue to bicker over alliances, the comparatively smaller Left parties have come together to form a front with the Prakash Amebedkar-led Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The front is set to contest around 100 of the 227 seats in Mumbai in the February 21 civic polls.
“We have finalised the list of the wards we will be contesting from. Our attempt is to present a credible option to the Shiv Sena, BJP and Congress. Our politics has always been issue-oriented and we will campaign based on issues, unlike the emotional outburst of ruling parties,” said S.K. Rege, Mumbai secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Prakash Amebedkar, the grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and president of the BBM, said the decision to contest the election together is extremely crucial. “We want to ensure that our front presents a reliable and pro-people alternative to voters. We are on our own,” Mr. Ambedkar said.
The Left Front also includes the CPI and the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP), among other parties. While the parties have limited strength in Mumbai, they have developed strong pockets.
Anandraj Ambedkar’s Republican Sena is also in talks to join forces. “Our talks are still under way. We would like to form an alliance, but the final decision will be taken in a day or two,” he said.
Jayant Patil, MLC and general secretary of the PWP, said, “We do not want to divide secular votes and help Sena-BJP. We are contesting the seats where we have a sizeable presence. But at the same time, we are trying to bring secular and democratic forces together.”
Raju Korde from the PWP said their agenda includes free education and healthcare for Mumbaikars. “Which party is talking about access to water? Or toilets? Or cleanliness? The verbal war is nothing but an attempt to divert the attention,” Mr. Korde said. The front will announce its list of candidates on Tuesday.
