India’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faces a deepening divide following the Election Commission’s decision to recognize Ajit Pawar’s faction as the “real” NCP.
EVEN as the Ajit Pawar-led NCP said its doors are open for those wanting to join its ranks in the wake of the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s decision recognising it as the real NCP, Sharad Pawar’s party, which now faces the challenge of keeping its flock together, is putting up a brave front. The setback notwithstanding, the party claimed there is unrest in Ajit Pawar’s ranks, which will see their “ghar wapsi”.
As Ajit Pawar’s NCP says doors open for everyone, Sharad Pawar camp puts on brave face, says ‘ghar wapsi’ of MLAs soon
Ajit Pawar’s Stance:
- His camp, now officially the NCP, welcomes everyone back into the fold.
- Spokesperson Umesh Patil says their doors are open, emphasizing this even after the EC verdict.
- This suggests they’re open to MLAs who previously sided with Sharad Pawar’s camp returning.
Sharad Pawar’s Response:
- Despite the setback, his camp maintains a brave face.
- Former minister Anil Deshmukh claims unrest in Ajit Pawar’s camp and predicts an eventual “ghar wapsi” (homecoming) of MLAs who had joined them.
- He dismisses concerns about party funds affecting MLA decisions, suggesting their return is based on ideological alignment.
Key Points:
- Both factions are trying to project strength and attract support.
- Ajit Pawar’s official recognition as the NCP leader might influence some undecided MLAs to join his camp.
- Sharad Pawar’s camp relies on promises of disgruntled MLAs returning, though the extent of this remains to be seen.
“There is unrest in Ajit Pawar’s camp. Many MLAs are in touch with us and they have expressed their wish to cross over to our side… There will soon be a ‘ghar wapsi’,” said former minister Anil Deshmukh, who is with Sharad Pawar’s camp.
On Tuesday, the Sharad Pawar camp landed in a turmoil as the ECI recognised the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar as the real NCP and gave it control over the party name and ‘clock’ symbol.
Deshmukh claimed not only MLAs who joined hands with Ajit Pawar are unhappy, even BJP MLAs are upset. “Our party is intact and will remain so even after the EC verdict. But our rivals have a problem on hand. Many MLAs from our rivals will join our ranks before the elections. As of now, they are with their parties as they need funds for development of their constituencies. But that will change soon,” the former minister said.
The Ajit Pawar-led NCP, however, pooh-phoohed the idea of MLAs exiting its ranks. “Now that we are the real NCP, there is no question of anyone exiting our ranks. In fact, there will be migration to our fold soon,” NCP chief spokesperson Umesh Patil told this paper. Patil said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had been saying that the party’s doors are open for one and all. “Even now after the EC verdict, he has maintained the same position. Our doors are open for everyone,” he said.
The NCP said 95 per cent of the party was already with Ajit Pawar. “Ninety-five per cent of the legislative and organisational party is with Ajit Pawar. A handful of them have a problem due to their political convenience. Some leaders want to contest elections from a particular constituency, which is with the BJP or Shinde Sena. They fear they will not get to contest and, therefore, they are not with us. Everyone has political ambitions which we cannot deny,” he said.
Sources:
- The Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/election-commission-admits-split-in-ncp-calls-both-factions-for-hearing-on-oct-6-8940406/
- Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/topic/sharad-pawar
Remember:
- This is a developing situation, and information may change rapidly.
- Stay informed by referring to credible news sources for updates.