In a significant address on Saturday, Sharad Pawar, the President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), lamented an unprecedented event in Indian political history - the removal of a founding member from their own party, citing it as a fate suffered by the NCP. Speaking from his Govind Baug residence and surrounded by a multitude of supporters and citizens, the 83-year-old stalwart expressed determination to rejuvenate his political organization.
Pawar, a seasoned leader, acknowledged that party disputes are not uncommon in India's political landscape. However, he underscored the extraordinary nature of the NCP's situation, highlighting the stripping away of not only the party's name but also its iconic 'Clock' symbol, an action he deemed unlawful. Asserting, "Everybody knows who founded the NCP," Pawar indicated the party's recourse to the Supreme Court for redressal, expressing optimism in the judicial process.
Dismissing concerns over the loss of the symbol, Pawar recounted his electoral journey spanning 14 contests under various emblems such as the 'Pair of Bullocks', 'Cow-and-Calf', 'Charkha' (Spinning Wheel), 'Hand', and most recently, the 'Clock'. Emphasizing that the symbol's confiscation does not signal the demise of the organization, he urged party workers to intensify their outreach efforts, elucidating the party's ethos and agenda to the populace.
With unwavering optimism, Pawar envisioned a fresh beginning for the NCP, assuring minimal obstacles in securing a new symbol and rallying support across Maharashtra. His remarks mark a significant development following the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker's decision favoring Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's faction as the 'real NCP', a ruling in contrast to the Election Commission of India's recognition of Ajit Pawar's faction and allocation of the NCP name and 'Clock' symbol to him.
Responding to Ajit Pawar's recent election-centric appeals, Sharad Pawar remained unperturbed, suggesting that the electorate would make informed decisions during the polls, indicating confidence in the electorate's discernment.
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