The Election Commission of India (ECI) handed the symbolic victory to Ajit Pawar's faction, giving him an advantage over his estranged uncle Sharad Pawar, who had been leading the opposing faction.

The EC's verdict, delivered on Tuesday, is reminiscent of a similar case involving the Shiv Sena, where the commission relied on the test of majority in the legislative wing to resolve the dispute between factions.

In a concession to Sharad Pawar's group, the EC granted them a one-time option to choose a name for their political outfit and provide three preferences by Wednesday afternoon, considering the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

The decision to rely on the test of majority in the legislative wing was deemed appropriate by the EC, given that both factions were found to be operating outside the party constitution and organisational elections.

Ajit Pawar's defection from the NCP last year, along with a majority (eight) of NCP MLAs, resulted in his support for the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra, further intensifying the factional rift within the party.

NCP (Sharad Pawar) state chief Jayant Patil expressed the party's intention to challenge the EC's decision in the Supreme Court, indicating the ongoing legal battle between the two factions.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, while accepting the EC's ruling with humility, reiterated his faction's legitimacy as the real NCP, signalling confidence in their position within the party hierarchy.