Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan raised alarm on Friday, claiming that if Prakash Ambedkar, the head of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), does not join the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), it will indirectly assist the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chavan emphasised that the Congress vote would be divided if Ambedkar did not support the MVA. He stated that multiple conversations were held to include Ambedkar`s party in the MVA alliance, to unite anti-BJP forces and assure victory in the polls, reported ANI. 

"We have tried to bring Prakash Ambedkar`s party within the MVA fold. We had many rounds of discussions where we asked him which seats you have the strength in, as it was not about only increasing the numbers of the party but winning. We sincerely want all those who are opposing PM Modi to not divide their votes as it gives an advantage to PM Modi. I think if he (Prakash Ambedkar) doesn`t join MVA, then he is helping the BJP divide Congress votes," Prithviraj Chavan told ANI.