Devendra Fadnavis, 'EC's decision declaring Ajit Pawar-led faction as 'real' NCP shows poer of democracy'

Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed delight with the Election Commission's decision to declare the Ajit Pawar-led faction as the 'real' Nationalist Congress Party. Fadnavis lauded the decision as a demonstration of democracy's power and expressed trust in Ajit Pawar's leadership, reported news agency ANI.

According to the report, Fadnavis, speaking to media in Nagpur, emphasised that the move was expected given Ajit Pawar's widespread support and organisational backing. He praised Ajit Pawar and emphasised the importance of preserving democracy, particularly following the 2019 mandate crisis.

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"This was an expected decision. We were confident that Ajit Pawar will get it. He has the majority and the organisation is also with him, the majority on both sides seems to be with him, I congratulate Ajit Pawar... In 2019, a mandate was broken, and the public mandate was cheated, but this decision has shown the power of democracy," Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur, per ANI report.

According to the report, the Election Commission's decision in favour of Ajit Pawar's group ended the long-running disagreement within the NCP. The verdict handed the faction the NCP name and symbol, clearing the path for the upcoming elections.

Ajit Pawar acknowledged the EC's decision and expressed gratitude and acceptance, emphasising the importance of the democratic process. He also raised a different issue with the Assembly Speaker, expressing hope for a quick conclusion, the report added.

The Deputy CM was quoted as saying, "The matter was before the Election Commission. A separate matter is also before the Assembly Speaker. That matter has also been heard and we hope that we will have the result soon. I welcome the Election Commission's decision. We accept this decision humbly. We are very happy and we thank them."

Last year, Ajit Pawar's defection from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance to join the BJP-led NDA caused political turbulence in Maharashtra. With Ajit Pawar, eight other legislators joined the Mahayuti government led by CM Shinde with most of them getting berths in the state cabinet.

The Sharad Pawar camp, while contesting the EC's decision, affirmed their commitment to continue the fight against it.