The Election Commission on Friday ruled that the group led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was the recognised Janata Dal (United) and, therefore, entitled to the “Arrow” symbol.
The issue arose when the Sharad Yadav faction staked a claim to the party symbol, as the Nitish Kumar-led group struck an alliance with the BJP to form the government in Bihar earlier this year after severing ties with the RJD and the Congress.
The Election Commission examined the evidence put forth by both the parties and concluded that the group led by Mr. Kumar had demonstrated overwhelming majority support in the legislature wing as well as in the party’s national council, which is the apex organisational body.
The petition on behalf of Mr. Yadav’s faction had been moved by Chhotubhai Amarsang Vasava.
The EC also observed that it had received communications from both the groups stating their intention to contest the coming Gujarat election and seeking its approval for allotment of the “Arrow” symbol for their candidates.
Taking the requests into consideration, and having considered the submissions, the Commission recognised the group led by Mr. Kumar as the Janata Dal (U).