2 Days Before Coup, Ajit Pawar Told Poll Body Sharad Pawar Isn't NCP Chief

The rebel faction of the Nationalist Congress Party has ousted Sharad Pawar from the top post of the party he has founded and led for over two decades. Sources in the rebel faction said they have also mentioned this in their letter to the Election Commission, in which they have staked claim to the party name and election symbol. Sources in the Election Commission said according to the rebels' letter, they had named Ajit Pawar as party president on June 30 -- three days before his shock move of crossing over to the ruling alliance and taking oath as Maharashtra's  Deputy Chief Minister. Around 40 MLAs, MPs and MLCs had signed affidavits that day supporting the rebels, which the Commission received today, sources said.