Ajit Pawar approaches ECI to claim NCP, party symbol
What's the story
In a new twist to the politics in Maharashtra, National Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Wednesday petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI), staking claim to the NCP led by Sharad Pawar and its symbol, the alarm clock.
The commission has also received a caveat from the NCP's Jayant Patil that they have initiated a disqualification process against Ajit and eight MLAs.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Both groups are fighting for control of the party after Ajit and the eight MLAs who supported him moved from the opposition to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena administration in Maharashtra.
While both sides make varied claims about the number of MLAs who support them, the petition before the ECI is likely to act as an official reality check.
Details
Ajit claims lead after 'NCP v/s NCP' showdown
On Wednesday, both factions of the NCP had separate meetings with their members, setting the stage for a showdown.
Hours after the meetings, the Ajit-led side claimed to have 29 of the 53 NCP MLAs with them and that they were all present at the party gathering.
The Sharad group, on the other hand, looked to have only 17 legislators.
Reaction
Ajit faction gaining support of more MLAs: Reports
According to reports, the number of Ajit faction supporters could increase further. Prior to the meeting, it took affidavits from party workers to show their allegiance at the Mumbai Educational Trust (MET) in Bandra.
"Over 40 MLAs and MLCs are with us. We've done all...due diligence before taking the oath. We didn't take oath just like that," said Chhagan Bhujbal, per the Hindustan Times.
Ajit Pawar
'You're 83, will you ever stop?': Ajit to Sharad
Meanwhile, Ajit made a scathing attack on his uncle Sharad, saying, "In other parties, leaders retire after an age. In BJP, leaders retire at 75, when are you going to stop?"
"You should...give new people a chance. If we make mistakes, tell us. Your age is 83, will you ever stop or not? You give us blessings," he said while addressing a meeting.
Comments
'BJP the most corrupt party in country': NCP's Supriya Sule
Reacting to the political developments, Supriya Sule, Working President of the NCP, slammed the BJP and termed it "the most corrupt party in the country."
She stated that the original NCP was with Sharad and that the original symbol is "us."
"Disrespect us, but not our father (Sharad). This fight is against the BJP government," she remarked in Mumbai.