Election Commission admits split in NCP, calls both factions for hearing on Oct 6

Before admitting the dispute, the EC had given both sides time to submit their evidence to show support in the legislative and organisational wings of the party.

Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (left) and Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar (right). (Express file photo)

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Accepting that there had been a split in the party, the Election Commission on Thursday set October 6 as the date of the first hearing in the dispute between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) headed by its founder Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar, sources said.

The poll panel wrote to the two sides on Thursday saying that after considering the matter, the EC had concluded that there were two rival groups – one led by Sharad Pawar and the other by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Know more | Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction’s X account suspended, Sharad Pawar group says it had no role to play

The troubles in the NCP began on June 30, when Ajit Pawar wrote to the EC seeking recognition of his faction as the real NCP under Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, which refers to the EC’s power to recognise splinter or rival sections of a recognised party. On July 3, he took oath as Deputy Chief Minister in the Shiv Sena-BJP government, claiming the support of all NCP MLAs.

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The EC told the two sides on Thursday that since both factions were claiming to be the real NCP, the matter required a “substantive determination” under Para 15 of the rules. The EC directed both sides to be present for a personal hearing on October 6.

Before admitting the dispute, the EC had given both sides time to submit their evidence to show support in the legislative and organisational wings of the party, the EC source said. Both sides had been given a copy of the documents of the other and have been asked to submit written replies on the same, the source said.

Also read | Sharad Pawar using guerrilla warfare tactics to fight Ajit-led group: Sanjay Raut

Earlier this year, the EC had decided that the dispute between two rival factions of the Shiv Sena – one led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray – in favour of the Shinde group.

Damini Nath

Damini Nath is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. She covers the housing and urban affairs and Election Commission beats. She has 11 years of experience as a reporter and sub-editor. Before joining The Indian Express in 2022, she was a reporter with The Hindu’s national bureau covering culture, social justice, housing and urban affairs and the Election Commission. ... Read More

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