ECI Recognizes Ajit Pawar Faction as NCP, Sharad Pawar's Group Adopts Temporary Name for Rajya Sabha Elections in Maharashtra

Election Commission of India (ECI) has recognized the Ajit Pawar faction as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which has caused a last-minute development ahead of the February 27 Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra. In response, the faction led by Sharad Pawar, the founder of NCP in 1999, will participate in the Rajya Sabha elections under the name "Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar)." This decision was announced by the ECI, considering the impending elections and the ongoing dispute between the two factions within the NCP.

This decision by the ECI comes after the Sharad Pawar faction proposed three different names for their group, including "Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadrao Pawar" and "NCP -- Sharad Pawar," which were rejected due to their similarity to the officially recognized NCP led by Ajit Pawar. To resolve the situation, the ECI allowed Sharad Pawar's faction to choose a new name for the interim period specifically for the Rajya Sabha elections.

The ECI's ruling aims to address the unique challenges posed by the Rajya Sabha elections, where legislators are required to show their ballot papers to their party's authorized agent before casting their votes. This facilitates the verification of votes by the respective political parties. Despite this decision, Ajit Pawar's faction will retain the party name and symbol (an analog clock) of the NCP.

In response to the ECI's order, the Sharad Pawar faction is considering legal options, prompting them to file a caveat in the Supreme Court. Additionally, Ajit Pawar's party plans to inform the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats about the ECI's decision to ensure their whip's recognition in Parliament.

Sharad Pawar addressed his party's youth workers in New Delhi, emphasizing the need to oppose lawlessness and intimidation tactics, urging for non-violent resistance against such forces.