New Delhi, February 6
In a major setback for veteran politician Sharad Pawar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ruled on Tuesday that the faction led by his nephew, Ajit Pawar, is the legitimate Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This decision, coming ahead of crucial national elections, awards the coveted “Wall Clock” symbol to Ajit’s group, potentially undermining Sharad Pawar’s political influence.
Ajit Pawar gets Nationalist Congress Party name and symbol
after more than 10 hearings spread over more than 6 months.
‘Test of Legislative majority’ clinches symbol in view of disputed internal organizational elections
Read detailed order here : https://t.co/5Ir1QKhQVC— Spokesperson ECI (@SpokespersonECI) February 6, 2024
After months of uncertainty surrounding the internal party dispute, the ECI’s decision hinged on “the test of majority in the legislative wing.” Both factions were deemed to have operated outside party regulations and lacked legitimate organizational elections, ultimately leading to the ECI’s ruling in favor of Ajit Pawar’s larger legislative support.
The loss of the NCP symbol presents a significant challenge for Sharad Pawar. However, the ECI has offered a one-time opportunity for his faction to register as a new party and submit three name preferences for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. This decision provides Sharad Pawar with a chance to retain some political presence, although the impact on his long-term influence remains to be seen.
On Ajit Pawar getting the NCP name and symbol, Sharad Pawar’s daughter and MP Supriya Sule said, “Our documents were fine. The founder member and founder leader of this party is only Sharad Pawar. But now the atmosphere is something else right now. There is an ‘adrishya shakti’ in the country which is doing all this. We will fight. We will go to the Supreme Court”.
Read the Election Commission of India’s complete order EC MAHA