A brewing conflict within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra has escalated with the Election Commission's decision to allocate the party's name and symbol to a faction led by Ajit Pawar, a move contested by the faction loyal to veteran leader Sharad Pawar.

The rift traces back to seven months ago when Sharad Pawar's nephew, Ajit Pawar, parted ways with the NCP to align with the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government in Maharashtra. This split led to a power struggle within the party, culminating in Ajit Pawar's faction asserting its claim over the NCP's name and symbol.

Reacting to the Election Commission's decision, Supriya Sule, NCP MP and daughter of Sharad Pawar, expressed disappointment, stating that the party's founder is unequivocally her father. She vowed to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, signaling a determination to uphold the party's integrity under Sharad Pawar's leadership.

Echoing Sule's sentiments, NCP MLA Jayant Patil emphasized their intention to seek recourse in the highest court, viewing it as their last resort in the face of what they perceive as an injustice.

The Election Commission defended its decision, citing procedural tests evaluating the legitimacy of Ajit Pawar's faction's petition. These tests scrutinized the aims and objectives outlined in the party constitution, organizational structure, and legislative support. However, Sharad Pawar's faction condemned the decision as a "murder of democracy," rejecting the legitimacy of Ajit Pawar's claim.

Party spokesperson Clyde Crasto reiterated Sharad Pawar's undisputed leadership within the NCP and highlighted the overwhelming support for him across various states. He criticized the Election Commission's ruling, emphasizing that the NCP fundamentally belongs to Sharad Pawar.

Ajit Pawar's defection last year, accompanied by a significant number of NCP MLAs, bolstered the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra. His faction's submission of the petition to the Election Commission, just days before assuming ministerial positions in the state government, further fueled tensions within the party.