The elevation of Ajit Pawar as the Nationalist Congress Party’s National President has sparked controversy, with the Sharad Pawar-led faction vehemently opposing it, deeming the move “illegitimate.” In response to a claim filed by Ajit Pawar’s faction to secure the NCP’s symbol, the Pawar camp argues that the party’s constitution does not permit legislators to unilaterally appoint a party leader. They contend that Ajit Pawar assumed this position based on the signatures of some legislators, with the contentious resolution listing him as ‘Signatory No 1.’
The Sharad Pawar faction emphasizes that there is no actual split within the NCP, even though divisions emerged earlier this year when Ajit Pawar defected to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, aligning with a rebel faction of the Shiv Sena.
Furthermore, the Pawar faction asserts that Ajit Pawar’s appointment occurred during a National Convention, which lacked proper notice and the appointment of a Chief Returning Officer. Ajit Pawar, who previously served as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, departed from the NCP, taking over 40 lawmakers with him.
The response from Pawar senior’s camp mentions that disqualification petitions were filed against “nine delinquent MLAs” on July 2 and 20 more MLAs on September 5 for alleged anti-party activities. They argue that the affidavits of these MLAs should not be considered in determining the majority, and that the respondent (Ajit Pawar) still enjoys the support of 12 of the remaining 24 MLAs.
This issue has been a point of contention for several months, with Sharad Pawar consistently maintaining that the party remains undivided, despite some members taking a different political stance. The Pawar camp had previously urged the Election Commission to reject Ajit Pawar’s demand for the NCP symbol, labeling it “premature” and “malafide.”
In summary, the NCP is embroiled in a leadership dispute between Ajit Pawar and the Sharad Pawar-led faction, with legal and constitutional arguments forming the basis of their contention over party leadership.
