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In a swift response to the Election Commission’s (EC) decision awarding the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) name and its iconic clock symbol to the Ajit Pawar-led faction, the Sharad Pawar camp has declared its intent to unveil a new identity on Wednesday. Amidst brewing tensions, the group also disclosed its plans to challenge the poll panel’s ruling in the Supreme Court.
According to sources within Pawar’s faction said to Indian Express, the forthcoming name is likely to retain elements of the party’s ethos, with “Nationalist” and “Congress” expected to feature prominently. Speculation mounts regarding potential symbols, with options such as the “rising sun,” “wheel,” and “tractor” being considered. The EC, in its directive, has mandated the submission of a new name and three symbol preferences by Wednesday, 4 pm, ahead of the impending Rajya Sabha elections for six seats from Maharashtra slated for February 27.
Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, affirmed the group’s commitment to comply with the EC’s instructions, asserting, “We will do it tomorrow (Wednesday).” Pawar, a political stalwart with a six-decade-long career, has previously contested elections under various symbols, reflecting his journey through different political affiliations before founding the NCP.
As the Pawar faction navigates the process of rebranding, anticipation mounts for the verdict on the disqualification pleas against MLAs from both NCP factions, awaited from Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar. The outcome of the case, concluded on January 31, is eagerly anticipated by February 15.
In response to the EC’s decision, Supriya Sule voiced defiance, characterizing it as “victory of the invisible power” and emphasizing their resolve to reclaim the party’s legacy. Meanwhile, Jayant Patil, the state president of Sharad Pawar’s faction, condemned the ruling as “shocking,” signaling their intent to seek recourse in the highest judicial forum.
Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar, however, offered a more conciliatory response, expressing gratitude for the EC’s decision, which he attributed to the submissions made by their legal representatives.
As the political landscape in Maharashtra witnesses upheaval, the imminent unveiling of a new name and symbol by Sharad Pawar’s faction underscores the ongoing power struggle within the NCP, with ramifications extending beyond party lines and into the broader realm of state politics.
