Ajit Pawar’s faction has secured the NCP name and symbol, which holds significant implications for the forthcoming elections, including the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha polls. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has determined Ajit Pawar’s group as the authentic Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a setback for party founder Sharad Pawar. Alongside this decision, the ECI has assigned the ‘Wall Clock’ symbol to Ajit Pawar’s faction.
The ECI’s ruling underscores that both factions have operated beyond the party constitution and organizational elections, with the test of majority in the legislative wing favoring Ajit Pawar’s group. However, a leader from Sharad Pawar’s camp has criticized the decision, alleging it was made under external influence, branding it as undemocratic.
In response to losing the NCP symbol to his nephew’s faction, Sharad Pawar’s camp must now make a crucial decision. The Election Commission has provided them with a one-time opportunity to establish a new political entity and submit preferences for six Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra. Compliance requires submitting the new political formation’s name and preferences for the Rajya Sabha seats by 4 pm on February 4. Failure to do so will result in the MLAs associated with Sharad Pawar’s faction being treated as independent under Rule 39AA of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.