New Delhi, January 27
Rival factions of the NCP led by P.A. Sangma and Sharad Pawar, today moved the Election Commission to stake claim to the party’s symbol and flag. Three days after the party split, the NCP led by Mr Pawar stated that it had not abdicated its ideological position of opposing persons of foreign origin occupying high posts.

Mr Sangma, who parted ways with Mr Pawar, moved the Commission claiming NCP symbol “clock” and its flag contending that party ideology seeking bar on persons of foreign origin occupying high posts was “100 per cent” with his faction.

However, Mr Praful Patel, spokesperson of the NCP led by Pawar, claimed that the party had not deviated from its ideology.

He said the political resolution moved by Mr Sangma at the national convention in May last concluded with a pledge to get rid of the communal fascist regime at the Centre and with a promise that the NCP would endeavour to work towards dislodging with the BJP-NDA government and intensify efforts to bring about a better coordination among like minded secular parties.

Mr Patel said the alliance with the Congress was only a continuation of the political resolution of the party. “Who would lead the secular front, would be decided after the decision,” he added.

The spokesperson said the party, which had the support of most of the members, had filed a caveat with the Commission to thwart to seek the party symbol and flag.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker asked “if you take the battery out of the clock (NCP’s election symbol), then how will the clock run? The foreign origin was the NCP’s battery. Take away the issue and where is the party?”

Mr Sangma submitted that since he enjoyed the support of most of the workers in the party, he should be allotted the party’s flag and symbol. Further, he said Mr Pawar could not pursue the MLAs and MPs to give affidavits pledging support to him since it was violative of the anti-defection law.

Mr Sangma said: “Since the anti-defection Bill is passed, there is no question of a split in the party”. He assured the Commission that he would be ready to submit any documents in support of his claim.

He had requested the Election Commission that till such time that the Commission took a final decision, the party flag and the symbol should remain with his faction, which he said, was the ‘real’ NCP.

Mr Patel claimed that the former Lok Sabha Speaker did not have the support of party MPs, MLAs and working committee members.