Months ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has provisionally authorized the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar faction (NCP (SP)) to accept voluntary contributions from the public. This interim authorization under the Representation of the People Act enables NCP (SP) to issue certificates to donors for income tax exemptions. NCP (SP) must now submit a report to the ECI listing all donations exceeding ₹20,000.
In a letter dated Monday, the ECI informed NCP (SP) of the interim authorization, effective until the Supreme Court concludes its review of Sharad Pawar’s appeal challenging the ECI’s decision on the party’s name and symbol, which was granted to his nephew, Ajit Pawar, following their split last year when Ajit Pawar aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The ECI’s decision came after a delegation led by Supriya Sule, the working president of NCP (SP), met with the Chief Election Commissioner and other officials in New Delhi earlier that day. Sule expressed gratitude for the ECI’s approval, highlighting the party’s previous inability to receive contributions via cheques and obtain tax benefits, essential for transparent funding in electoral campaigns.
An ECI official clarified that while NCP (SP) is a recognized party, it lacked registration necessary for tax exemptions on raised funds. The party also raised concerns regarding its electoral symbol, a man blowing a trumpet, claiming that similar symbols used by proxy candidates had confused voters and potentially affected election outcomes.
In response, the ECI has requested NCP (SP) to specify concerns regarding symbol translations and visual presentation on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Discussions are ongoing to address these issues and ensure clarity for voters ahead of the upcoming elections.