In a significant development in Maharashtra’s political landscape, the veteran politician Sharad Pawar’s faction has been granted a new name by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Following a dispute over the party name and symbol, the ECI awarded the original name, Nationalist Congress Party, and its symbol “clock” to the rebel group led by Sharad Pawar’s nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
In response to this decision, the ECI directed Sharad Pawar’s group to choose a new name for their political formation. The deadline for submission was set for February 7, Wednesday, ahead of the forthcoming election to six seats in the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra.
Presented with three options, namely Nationalist Congress Party — Sharadchandra Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party — Sharadrao Pawar, and NCP — Sharad Pawar, the ECI granted the first preference, officially renaming the party as “Nationalist Congress Party — Sharadchandra Pawar.”
The ECI in a statement said, “In this connection, it is to mention that the competent authority, in pursuance and confines of Para 143 of its final order referred above, has acceded to your first preference, ie., Nationalist Congress Party — Sharadchandra Pawar, as the name of your group/faction as a one-time option for the purposes of forthcoming election to 6 seats in Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra…”
It is pertinent to note that , though the name has been changed, however, the submission for the symbol is yet to be made by Sharad Pawar’s faction. A leader from his party indicated that they are planning to approach the Supreme Court. He said, “This arrangement is for Rajya Sabha election. We are approaching the Supreme Court in the coming days and since we are strong on merits, we expect a verdict in our favour,”
He added, “We could have three options in the Supreme Court. We will get a stay on the Election Commission order or the clock symbol will be frozen and both of us will be asked to start afresh… or the present commission order will remain in effect. Once this is clear, we will select a new symbol, if required.”
