Ajit Pawar gets NCP symbol in big setback for Sharad Pawar

In a setback for Sharad Pawar, the Election Commission on Tuesday officially recognised Ajit Pawar's faction as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The EC's decision is based on the "test of legislative majority," granting Ajit Pawar's group the NCP symbol amid internal election disputes.

Ajit Pawar (left) and Sharad Pawar(HT_PRINT)

"This Commission holds that the faction led by the Petitioner, Sh. Ajit Anantrao Pawar, is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and is entitled to use its name and reserved symbol "clock" for the purposes of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968," the EC's order read.

The Election Commission resolved the NCP dispute in favour of Ajit Pawar's faction after over 10 hearings in 6 months. The commission has provided a one-time option to claim a name for their new formation and submit three preferences to the Commission, with the deadline set for 3 pm on February 7.