The Election Commission (EC) has made a decisive move in the ongoing factional dispute within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) by allotting the name “Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar” to the faction led by former union minister Sharad Pawar. This decision follows the ruling by the poll body that Ajit Pawar’s faction is the legitimate NCP, as reported by news agency PTI.
The EC’s decision came shortly after the submission of three potential names and symbols by the Sharad Pawar faction for their political group. Among the suggested names were “Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar,” “Nationalist Congress Party—Sharadrao Pawar,” and “Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Pawar,” along with the proposed election symbol of a “banyan tree.”
As a one-time option for the forthcoming election to six seats in the Rajya Sabha in Maharashtra, the commission acceded to the first preference suggested by the Sharad Pawar faction.
In response to the EC’s verdict, the Ajit Pawar faction welcomed the decision, emphasizing the priority given to the majority. Conversely, the Sharad Pawar camp criticized the ruling, labeling it as a “murder of democracy.”
Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter and Baramati MP, expressed the party’s intention to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court, citing concerns over the fairness of the decision-making process. She drew parallels with similar situations faced by other political parties and highlighted the determination to pursue legal recourse.
Jitendra Ahwad, a leader from the Sharad Pawar camp, condemned the EC’s ruling, attributing the outcome to political maneuvering orchestrated by Ajit Pawar. Despite the setback, he expressed confidence in Sharad Pawar’s leadership and resilience, affirming their intent to seek redress through legal channels.
Meanwhile, the Ajit Pawar faction has filed a caveat application in the Supreme Court to preempt any legal challenge from the Sharad Pawar faction. This move underscores the ongoing legal battle and underscores the high stakes involved in the dispute over the NCP’s identity and leadership.
The factional strife within the NCP underscores broader tensions within the political landscape, reflecting power struggles and differing visions within the party. As the legal battle unfolds, the Supreme Court’s intervention may provide clarity and resolution to the contentious issue, shaping the future trajectory of the NCP and its leadership.