Ajit Pawar approaches EC for NCP name and symbol, Sharad Pawar says "won't allow to snatch it away"

Pune: The ongoing power struggle within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has escalated to the Election Commission as Ajit Pawar, leading the new faction, filed a claim to the name and symbol of the party founded by his uncle, Sharad Pawar. In a bid to establish his authority, Ajit Pawar's group submitted over 40 affidavits from supportive MLAs and MPs.

Responding to this development, the Sharad Pawar faction has lodged a caveat with the Election Commission, urging the commission to hear their side of the story before making any directives regarding the factional dispute. The Election Commission has instructed both factions to exchange the relevant documents submitted before it. The election body is expected to process the application in the coming days.

Supriya Sule, the Working President of the NCP and daughter of Sharad Pawar, defended her father against Ajit Pawar's claims and declared that the "original NCP is with him, and the original symbol is us." She emphasised that the fight should be against the BJP government, referring to them as the "most corrupt party in the country."

In a show of strength, both Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar separately held meetings with their respective MLAs in Mumbai. Ajit Pawar's meeting saw the presence of 29 out of the total 53 NCP MLAs, while Sharad Pawar's camp appeared to have the support of 17 legislators.

During the meeting, Ajit Pawar urged his uncle to pass the baton to the new generation, drawing attention to retirement ages in government service and among BJP leaders. He expressed his respect for Sharad Pawar but highlighted the need for fresh leadership, citing examples of retired politicians. He requested Sharad Pawar's blessings for the new generation to rise within the party.

The recent twist in the NCP's internal dynamics occurred on Sunday when Ajit Pawar took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra after allying with the Shinde faction of Shiv Sena and the BJP. This led to a vertical split within the party. Alongside him, eight other MLAs, including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, and Dilip Walse Patil, were also sworn in as ministers.

In response to Ajit Pawar's move, Sharad Pawar firmly stated that he would not allow anyone to snatch away the NCP name and symbol. Addressing party workers in Mumbai, he reassured them that the symbol remains with the original NCP and its loyal supporters.