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Amidst rising chorus for de-recognition of the party and action against Sharad Pawar for his "vote twice" call to supporters, the Nationalist Congress Party has gone on the defensive.
The Election Commission's decision to seek video tape of Pawar's speech has further dampened the mood in the NCP.
Bharatiya Janata Party today made a representation to the Election Commission with a plea to initiate action against Pawar for alleged corrupt practices and criminal conspiracy.
BJP candidate from north east Mumbai Kirit Somaiya has appealed for action under the provisions of People's Representation Act and Indian Penal Code. On the other hand, Shiv Sena, Republican Party of India and Aam Aadmi Party have also called for NCP's de-recognition and disqualification.
Meanwhile, NCP's top guns have swung into action to counter the opposition and prepare Pawar's reply if he and the party receives Election Commission's notice.
State NCP chief Bhaskar Jadhav along with party's office bearers are taking stock of the situation and putting in place a damage control mechanism.
Despite opposition's move, Pawar left the city in the morning to address election rallies in western Maharashtra. NCP is contesting 21 seats while the co-partner Congress is contesting 27 seats in Maharashtra.
Party candidates, ministers and senior office bearers hope that the matter will be resolved at the earliest especially at the level of Election Commission as Pawar has already clarified that he wanted to encourage people to vote. He requested them to take the right message and follow their duty.
NCP leader, who is quite close to Pawar, told Business Standard, "Pawar is a veteran leader and has never supported bogus voting. Pawar has clarified that his comments were made in jest. He has already forwarded his clarification to the Election Commission. Besides, he will reply to Election Commission after receiving its communication in this regard."
