Major blow to Sharad Pawar as Election Commission declares Ajit faction as real NCP

After more than six months and over 10 hearings, the Election Commission has officially declared the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as the 'real' NCP, marking the culmination of a bitter internal dispute.

The NCP was plunged into turmoil in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar, broke ranks with his uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar. Following the incident he joined the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government in Maharashtra.

EC settles the dispute in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), rules in favour of the faction led by Ajit Pawar, after more than 10 hearings spread over more than 6 months.

Election Commission of India provides a one-time option to claim a name for its new political formation… pic.twitter.com/1BU5jW3tcR

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024

Legal battle between NCP leaders

Since then, both factions had been locked in a legal battle, where each claimed to be the legitimate inheritor of the NCP name and symbol. However, the Election Commission's decision has upheld the authority of Ajit Pawar's faction and granted them recognition as the true NCP.

Test of legislative majority

The Election Commission cited the "test of the legislative majority" as a crucial factor in its decision-making process, highlighting Ajit Pawar's faction's ability to showcase support within the legislative framework amidst internal organizational strife.

In light of the disputed internal organizational elections, the poll panel has afforded a special concession to Sharad Pawar by allowing him to name his new political formation. He was given time until 4 PM on Wednesday to submit three potential names for his new political entity.

After the ECI instructions, NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said "Election Commission has ruled in our favor after listening to the arguments of our lawyers. We welcome this humbly."

Election Commission has ruled in our favour after listening to the arguments of our lawyers. We welcome this humbly: NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

(File photo) https://t.co/8Kza899fip pic.twitter.com/crqlyos0D5

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024

With this verdict, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is poised to convene a meeting with NCP ministers and select MLAs at his official residence in Mumbai, signaling a consolidation of power within his faction of the party.