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In a significant development, the Supreme Court has intervened in the ongoing dispute within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), directing that the Election Commission’s decision to allot the name ‘Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar’ to the faction led by Sharad Pawar will remain in effect until further notice.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan sought a response from the Ajit Pawar-led faction in response to a plea filed by Sharad Pawar against the Election Commission’s decision on February 6, which recognized the faction led by Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister as the legitimate NCP.
“We would like to examine the matter,” the bench remarked as it issued notice to the Ajit Pawar-led faction.
Granting liberty to Sharad Pawar to move the Election Commission for the allocation of the party symbol, the bench directed the poll panel to allot it within one week of the application.
Expressing concern over the implications of the Election Commission’s order, the bench highlighted the potential confusion for voters, criticizing the lack of disqualification for violating party constitution and objectives.
During the hearing, Justice Viswanathan referred to a recent situation in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of clarity in party symbols to prevent chaos.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Sharad Pawar, argued that the order passed by the Election Commission on February 7 was an interim arrangement made for Rajya Sabha elections, leaving their group nameless and symbol-less after February 27.
Singhvi contended that while Ajit Pawar’s side was recognized as the real NCP, their faction was allowed to use the name as a one-time measure for Rajya Sabha elections.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, for the Ajit Pawar faction, argued against applying the Shiv Sena precedent to the current case, stating that they were entirely different.
The bench underscored that the Election Commission’s concession for a one-time option was not challenged, and the relief was given by the poll panel on its own.
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