NCP split: Sharad Pawar cites Shiv Sena example, says ‘our party symbol seems to be in danger’ | India News – Times of India
The former Union minister cited the case of Uddhav Thackeray who lost the Shiv Sena party symbol to Eknath Shinde after he spilt the party and joined hands with the BJP.
“I have replied to the notice sent by the Election Commission. Looking at the decision that came up in regards to the Shiv Sena (whose poll symbol was given to rebel faction led by Eknath Shinde), our party symbol (clock) seems to be in danger,” Sharad Pawar said.
However, the veteran leader exuded confidence of winning elections even with a new symbol if needed.
“I don’t care for symbol as I have contested elections on many symbols like bullock pair, cow and calf, and won,” he said.
The veteran leader also said that he will move the court over Ajit Pawar faction still using his photos.
Sharad Pawar had warned Ajit Pawar not to use his images for party functions soon after the rebellion.
EC grants three-week extension to NCP factions to exchange documents
Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Wednesday granted a three-week extension to the warring factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to respond its notice related to the party’s name and official symbol.
Both the factions had sought a four-week extension to submit their responses to the Election Commission notices on the claim to the party name and official symbol.
The poll authority had issued notices to the rival factions on July 27 asking them to exchange the documents submitted to the commission while claiming to be the real party.
On July 5, the poll panel had also received affidavits from 40 MPs, MLAs and MLCs along with a resolution by rebel faction members that they elected Ajit Pawar as the NCP chief. The letter in this regard was dated June 30, two days before Ajit Pawar pulled off a stunning revolt in the NCP and was sworn-in as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra along with eight ministers.
The Sharad Pawar-led faction had decided not to move the commission until it took cognisance of the claims by the rebel groups.
(With inputs from agencies)
