Lack of clarity on NCP’s whip even as special session to be held on Feb 20

A special session of Maharashtra legislature on Maratha reservation is scheduled from February 20. In addition, the regular budget session will be held from February 26. In view of that, the whip is likely to be finalised in the coming days.

Despite the claim from Patil, sources within the Speaker’s office confirmed that no such decision has been officially made and Narwekar will take the call within next week over this.

“Usually a whip is appointed based on the election symbol of the party and the name. Even though there is an official party led by Ajit Pawar, the Election Commission of India has given a different name for the Sharad Pawar group,” a source within the speaker’s office said.

Unlike the matter regarding Shiv Sena, the NCP till now has faced no dispute inside the legislature where the whip has been violated by any side.

“However, for the smooth functioning of the legislature a whip has to be decided as there are clearly two groups,” the source said.

The different name given to Sharad Pawar group was particularly for the Rajya Sabha election and with only six nominations for six Rajya Sabha seats, the election for Rajya Sabha will not be taking place.

“The Speaker’s office will also have to decide as to whether the directions undertaken for the sake of Rajya Sabha polls are applicable now as no elections will be held,” the official said.