In a surprising turn of events, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has claimed that he was elected as the Chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) just two days before the rebel faction’s mutiny against his uncle, Sharad Pawar. The rebel faction, consisting of around 40 MLAs, MLCs, and MPs, removed Sharad Pawar from the party’s top post, alleging that they represent the true NCP. This move by Ajit Pawar is seen as a strategic step to avoid any legal hurdles that might arise due to the coup.
According to sources in the Election Commission, the rebels submitted a letter stating that Ajit Pawar was elected as the party president on June 30. This date is significant as it predates Ajit Pawar’s unexpected decision to switch sides and join the ruling alliance as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. On that day, approximately 40 MLAs, MPs, and MLCs expressed their support for the rebel faction by signing affidavits.
However, the rebel faction’s claim faces a potential challenge based on a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year. The court stated that a legislative party cannot function independently of the political party to which it belongs. This means that a group of MLAs cannot make decisions on their own and invoke the Anti-Defection law solely by proving a majority.
The Election Commission has also received a letter from Jayant Patil, a loyalist of Sharad Pawar, informing them about the initiation of disqualification proceedings against some rebel MPs and MLAs. This development suggests that the ongoing power struggle within the NCP might lead to further legal actions.
In a recent show of strength, the rebel faction paraded 29 MLAs, while only 17 MLAs showed up in support of Sharad Pawar. However, it is worth noting that some MLAs may have switched sides, while others did not attend the gathering at all. To avoid potential action, Ajit Pawar would need the support of at least 36 MLAs if the Election Commission rejects his argument.
Sharad Pawar, the ousted party chief, has emphasized that he is more concerned about the party’s ideology and workers’ support rather than mere numbers or symbols. He reassured his supporters that they would not be deprived of the party’s symbol, emphasizing his past electoral victories with new faces.
While the numbers in favor of Ajit Pawar fall short of the two-thirds majority required for legal protection under the anti-defection law, Sharad Pawar has indicated a preference for awaiting the people’s verdict rather than resorting to immediate legal action.
The unfolding events within the NCP bear similarities to the split in the Shiv Sena last year when Eknath Shinde broke away from the party. Political observers are closely watching the developments within the NCP and the impact they may have on Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Ajit Pawar, who has been sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister on multiple occasions in recent years, expressed his aspiration to become the Chief Minister someday. In a critical remark directed towards his uncle, Sharad Pawar, a four-time Chief Minister, Ajit questioned the need for him to continue leading the party at his age and called for the introduction of fresh leadership.
The power struggle within the NCP continues to unfold, and its implications for Maharashtra’s political future remain uncertain. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether the Election Commission will accept Ajit Pawar’s claim to NCP leadership and how the party and its supporters will navigate the challenges ahead.
Sources By Agencies
