NCP Split: Ajit Pawars Faction Declared Authentic by Election Commission

The Election Commissions decision to recognize Ajit Pawars faction as the official NCP has intensified the ongoing power struggle within the party. While Ajit Pawar and his supporters hail the ruling as a validation of their majority, Sharad Pawars camp denounces it as a conspiracy against the people of Maharashtra.

In a significant development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has recognized the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar as the real Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The decision, which comes as a setback to Sharad Pawar, has sparked reactions from both sides of the divide, with Ajit Pawar asserting the priority given to the majority in democracy, while Sharad Pawar's camp terms it a "murder of democracy."

Ajit Pawar Claims Majority Support

Ajit Pawar, who now leads the recognized faction of the NCP, emphasized the importance of majority in a democracy. He highlighted that 50 MLAs, along with most of the district presidents and chiefs of the party cells, are with his faction. Senior NCP leader Praful Patel echoed this sentiment, stating that the EC ruling confirms the majority support for Ajit Pawar among party workers and elected representatives.

Supriya Sule Alleges Conspiracy

Sharad Pawar's daughter and NCP MP, Supriya Sule, expressed her disappointment with the ECI ruling, terming it a victory of "invisible power" and a conspiracy against Maharashtra and Marathi people. She questioned the decision and expressed surprise, though she refrained from divulging further details. Sule also mentioned that Sharad Pawar was engaged in a gathering with retiring Rajya Sabha members, including BJP leader Prakash Javdekar.

Sharad Pawar Loyalists Criticize Decision

Sharad Pawar loyalists and former state ministers, Anil Deshmukh and Jitendra Awhad, strongly criticized the ECI ruling. Deshmukh called it a "murder of democracy" and alleged that the poll panel was pressured from above. Awhad, on the other hand, referred to the decision as a "circus" and accused the ECI of predetermining the outcome. He expressed sadness over those who benefited from Sharad Pawar's efforts now attempting to politically undermine him.

Maharashtra CM and Deputy CM Welcome ECI Decision

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the ECI's decision. Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, emphasized the importance of majority in democracy and drew parallels to the similar decision taken in their case. He expressed confidence that the alliance of Shiv Sena, BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP will secure victories in upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Mixed Reactions in Pawars' Home Turf

In Pune and Baramati, the Pawars' pocket borough, reactions to the ECI ruling were mixed. Supporters of Ajit Pawar celebrated with firecrackers and sweets, while Sharad Pawar's supporters expressed disappointment. Some local leaders urged unity and working together as a party, despite the decision on the party name and symbol.

The ECI's recognition of Ajit Pawar's faction as the real NCP has deepened the divide within the party. While Ajit Pawar and his supporters assert the legitimacy of their position based on majority support, Sharad Pawar's camp views the decision as unjust and intends to challenge it in the Supreme Court. The political dynamics in Maharashtra are likely to undergo significant changes as both factions navigate the legal and electoral challenges ahead.