The Election Commission of India dealt a significant blow to Sharad Pawar, the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), by allotting the party symbol to his nephew, Ajit Pawar.
In response, the faction led by Sharad Pawar has been officially named “Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar” for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with the chosen symbol being the ‘banyan tree’.
This decision follows the ECI’s declaration on Tuesday, recognizing Ajit Pawar’s faction as the authentic NCP and assigning them the symbol of a ‘clock’. The ECI had granted Sharad Pawar’s faction a one-time option to claim a name for their new political formation and provide three preferences to the Commission, which needed to be utilized by February 7, 2024.
Family-turned-Rival
On July 2, 2023, Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar, made a significant move by joining the Maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde as the deputy Chief minister. Alongside him, eight other legislators from the
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were appointed as cabinet ministers. This move sparked a major split within the NCP.
The ongoing dispute between Sharad and Ajit revolves around the coveted party symbol and the legacy of the party’s name. This heated battle intensified after Ajit’s departure from the party, leaving both Sharad and Ajit embroiled in a contentious struggle over who will carry forward the party’s identity and leadership into the future. 
Big setback for Sharad Pawar
In a major setback for Sharad Pawar, he has lost both the name and symbol for his faction ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. With limited time remaining for the 2024 elections, this presents a significant challenge for the senior Pawar. His faction has taken the matter to court, but time is running short. Complicating matters further, he now finds himself in a position where he must contend against his own family, as his nephew Ajit has aligned himself with the BJP.
