Chinh tumhara, baap humara: Posters backing Sharad Pawar erected outside NCP's office

New Delhi: Posters backing Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar have surfaced outside the NCP office in Mumbai, following the Election Commission's decision favouring the faction led by Ajit Pawar amid an internal party dispute.

The faction aligned with Sharad Pawar plans to challenge the Election Commission's ruling in the Supreme Court. Moreover, they aim to request a temporary allocation of a new name and symbol in compliance with the electoral authority's guidelines. It is expected that the Pawar faction will advocate for the 'rising sun' symbol.

Background of the EC decision

The Election Commission's decision was guided by established criteria for evaluating petitions of this nature. These criteria included an assessment of the party constitution's objectives, the integrity of the constitution itself, and evaluations of both organisational and legislative majority.

In this instance, the examination of legislative majority favoured the Ajit Pawar group. It was determined that both factions had deviated from the party's constitutional framework and organisational election procedures. Consequently, individuals holding positions were predominantly viewed as appointed by self-designated members of the electoral college, thereby undermining internal party democracy.

Seeking a new political formation

The Election Commission has provided a one-time opportunity for the Sharad Pawar faction to claim a name for its new political formation. They must submit three preferences to the Commission by 3 pm today.

The unfolding events reflect the intensity of internal dynamics within the NCP and underscore the significance of the legal and procedural mechanisms in resolving internal disputes within political parties.