The Pawar-dominated panel had held control of the factory for last seven years before losing it to the one fielded by Chandrarao Tawre.

By the time Kakde's affidavit arrived and his lawyers frantically stamped it with his signature, the election office door was locked .

NCP MP and city unit president Vandana Chavan said that this decision was taken on a directive from party chief Sharad Pawar.