EC Seeks Responses From Ajit Pawar And Sharad Pawar's Factions Of NCP By August 17 Amid Battle For Party Name, Symbol

Amidst the power struggle between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar for control over the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Election Commission of India has requested both factions to submit their responses by 17 August in order to stake a claim for the party.

Both Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar have received a mail asking them to provide their responses regarding the proceedings before the Election Commission (EC) under Section 15 of the Symbols Act.

Section 15 of the Symbols Act pertains to the authority of the EC in relation to splinter groups or rival sections of a recognised political party.

Earlier this month, the NCP, which was founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999, experienced a split with Ajit Pawar claiming the support of over 40 MLAs and joining the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government in Maharashtra.

In a cabinet expansion that followed, nine NCP MLAs, including Ajit Pawar, were sworn in as ministers in the Maharashtra government.

The NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, has received a letter from the Election Commission inquiring about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ajit Pawar's faction claiming the party name and symbol. The NCP will provide a response to the commission accordingly.

The Ajit Pawar faction has also laid claim to the party symbol, informing the Election Commission that Ajit Pawar was elected as the NCP chief through a resolution on 30 June, 2023. The resolution was signed by a majority of members from both the legislative and organisational wings of the party.

Clyde Crasto, the national spokesperson for the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, stated that the Election Commission has sent a letter requesting their response to Ajit Pawar's faction claiming the party name and symbol.

Crasto assured that the NCP will provide a suitable response in line with the commission's inquiry, according to reports.