MUMBAI: Sharad Pawar, who founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999 after breaking from Congress, has lost the party's name and signature 'clock' symbol to his nephew, Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's deputy chief minister.
The Election Commission has permitted Sharad Pawar to select the name for his new political party, taking into account the Rajya Sabha elections on February 27.
What EC said about dispute between two factions- It went by test of legislative majority.
- Of 81 MPs, MLAs & MLCs of NCP, 57 filed affidavits supporting Ajit and 24 for Sharad Pawar.
- 5 MLAs and one LS MP filed in support of both factions. Even if these were to be counted as favouring Sharad Pawar, Ajit faction would have numerical majority.
- Other tests such as of aims and objectives of party constitution, test of majority in organisational wing could not be applied to symbols dispute.
- Neither faction could be assessed as fulfilling party’s aims & objectives or working as per party constitution.
- No clarity which body constitutes organisational wing.
- Organisational election of 2022 disputed.
- Occupants of party posts appointed by selfnominated members of electoral college against norms of inner party democracy.
What’s next- EC has provided special concession to Sharad Pawar to name his new political formation in view of Rajya Sabha elections on Feb 27.
- He has been given time to give 3 names by 4 pm Wednesday; Supriya Sule says will give names
- Pawar Sr faction to move SC against order.