Commission Seeks Papers From Sunetra Pawar Over NCP Constitution Changes

The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sunetra Pawar, seeking documents related to amendments made to the party's constitution. The poll body has asked the party to submit all relevant resolutions and supporting records passed during its national convention held on February 26, stating that the documentation provided so far does not adequately support several constitutional changes. The notice comes as the Commission reviews the validity of the amendments introduced following changes in the party's leadership.

According to the Election Commission's letter dated July 21, the NCP has been directed to promptly furnish all documents and resolutions concerning proposals adopted during the February 26 national convention. Sunetra Pawar was elected the party's National President on that day, exactly one month after the death of her husband and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. The Commission's review focuses on whether the constitutional amendments were carried out in accordance with the party's established procedures.

The poll body observed that the resolution submitted by the NCP referred only to an amendment of Article 18(1) of the party constitution. However, the amended constitution filed before the Commission reflects changes not only to Article 18(1) but also to Articles 6, 7, 12, 32 and 36. According to the Commission, no supporting resolutions or official records authorising these additional amendments were included with the documents submitted by the party.

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In its notice, the Election Commission stated that the absence of supporting documentation prevented it from considering the amended party constitution in its current form. The Commission has therefore requested copies of the relevant resolutions or any other official documents demonstrating that amendments to Articles 6, 7, 12, 32 and 36 were duly approved during the national convention or through the party's prescribed decision-making process.

The notice does not indicate any immediate punitive action against the NCP but seeks clarification to ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements governing the internal functioning of registered political parties. Election Commission regulations require recognised political parties to notify the Commission of changes to their constitutions and provide documentary evidence showing that such amendments have been adopted through authorised party forums.

The NCP has not yet publicly responded to the Election Commission's latest communication. The Commission is expected to examine the additional documents once they are submitted before deciding whether to formally accept the amended constitution. The development underscores the Election Commission's role in ensuring transparency and procedural compliance in the organisational affairs of recognised political parties.

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