Big Blow to Sharad Pawar as EC Grants NCP Symbol to Ajit Pawar Faction Ahead of LS Polls
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 7th Feb. In a significant development preceding the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission (EC) gave a major blow to the Sharad Pawar-led faction as it ruled in favor of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s faction to use the party name ‘Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)’ along with its symbol, the ‘clock’.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, settles the dispute within the NCP in favor of the faction led by Ajit Pawar.
However, in a gesture of fairness, the poll panel has granted the Sharad Pawar-led faction a one-time opportunity to choose a name for its new political entity and provide three preferences for it. This concession must be exercised by 3 pm on Wednesday.
The EC’s final ruling comes after more than 10 hearings spanning over six months. The dispute was initiated on July 1, 2023, when the EC received a petition from Ajit Pawar, alleging that Sharad Pawar was running the party in violation of its constitution and rules.
Legal representatives from both factions, including notable names such as Mukul Rohatgi, Neeraj Kishan Kaul, and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, participated in the hearings.
The EC noted that both factions were found to be operating outside the party constitution and organizational elections, thereby leading to the decision in favor of Ajit Pawar’s faction.
Considering the upcoming elections to the six seats of Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, the Sharad Pawar-led faction has been granted a special concession to comply with the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961.
Under Para 18 of the Symbols Order, the EC has provided the Sharad Pawar-led faction with the opportunity to name its new political formation and submit three preferences to the Commission.
Furthermore, the EC emphasized the importance of transparency in internal party affairs, suggesting that political parties should consider voluntary public disclosures of their party constitution, electoral processes, and elected office bearers on their websites.
The EC’s ruling underscores the significance of adhering to democratic principles within political parties and ensuring transparency in their functioning, especially as the country gears up for crucial elections.
