The Election Commission of India (ECI) has determined two factions in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The poll panel will determine on October 6 as to who is the real party and the substantial question of law relating to the same.
The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999, witnessed a split earlier this year with Ajit Pawar, claiming the support of over 40 MLAs and joining the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government in Maharashtra.
On Thursday, the EC told the two sides that since both factions were claiming to be the real NCP, the matter required a “substantive determination” under Para 15 of the rules. Both the sides have been directed by the EC to be present for a personal hearing scheduled on October 6.
Speaking to Indian Express, a source from the Election Commission said that before admitting the dispute, the EC had given both sides time to submit their evidence to show support in the legislative and organisational wings of the party. The source also stated that both sides had been given a copy of the documents of the other and have been asked to submit written replies on the same.
Troubles in the NCP began on June 30, when Ajit Pawar wrote to the EC seeking recognition of his faction as the real NCP under Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. This order refers to the EC’s power to recognise split sections of a recognised party. Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister in the Shiv Sena-BJP government on July 3 claiming the support of all NCP MLAs.
Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP MLAs joined the Eknath Shinde-led government in July this year, leading to a in a split in the party. Ajit Pawar later staked claim to the NCP.
The Sharad Pawar-led faction recently submitted its response to the poll panel over a petition filed by the Ajit Pawar group. The petition claimed that there was no dispute in the party, except that a few mischievous individuals have defected from the organisation for their personal ambitions.
Speaking about the rival faction’s response, Ajit Pawar told reporters, “I will speak about our stand in the rally to be held tomorrow (in Kolhapur). While both factions of the NCP have issued notices against each other, I think the Election Commission will give the right decision.”
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