Ajit Pawar-Led Faction Tells EC Sharad No Longer NCP Chief; Claims Party Name & Symbol

Mumbai: Once an astute politician who managed many a tricky situation, Sharad Pawar may be losing the battle to his nephew Ajit.

Ajit, who revolted against the 83-year-old Sharad and was sworn in as Maharashtra deputy CM in the Eknath Shinde cabinet, claimed on Wednesday that his uncle is no longer the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president.

In an affidavit submitted to Election Commission (EC) of India, the rebel camp stated that a resolution electing Ajit Pawar as NCP’s national president was signed by an “overwhelming majority” of MLAs as well as members of the organisational wing, reported ANI.

“A Resolution dated 30th June 2023 signed by overwhelming majority of members of NCP, both from the legislative and organisational wing was passed thereby electing Ajit Anantrao Pawar as the President of NCP. Praful Patel was and continues to be one of the working presidents of NCP. The NCP also decided to appoint Ajit Pawar as the leader of NCP Legislative Party in the Maharashtra Legislative assembly and the said decision was also ratified by the resolution passed by an overwhelming majority of NCP MLAs,” the affidavit reads, as per ANI.

The Ajit camp has also approached EC for use of the NCP name and its symbol.

Sharad countered by saying that the June 30 meeting was not a working committee meeting as key party leaders were not informed.

The veteran has called a national executive meeting on July 6 in New Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Ajit’s faction flaunted 31 MLAs at a meeting here, as opposed to the presence of 13 MLAs at Sharad’s meeting.

Ajit Pawar advised Sharad that it was time for him to retire as he was 83, and hand over NCP’s reins to him.

Ajit accused Sharad of portraying him as a villain in front of everyone, “but I still have deep respect for him.”

“BJP leaders retire at 75. You can see the example of LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. This allows the new generation to rise.

“You are 83, aren’t you going to stop? Give us your blessings and we will pray that you live a long life,” the deputy CM said.

He also warned the veteran politician not to be stubborn.