The Supreme Court is set to hear on October 24 a significant plea from Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), regarding the use of the party’s traditional ‘clock’ symbol by the Ajit Pawar faction. This legal confrontation arises ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, intensifying the already fractious relations within the party after Ajit Pawar’s split in July 2023, where he aligned with the BJP-Shiv Sena government.
Sharad Pawar’s faction argues that the Election Commission’s February decision, which recognized Ajit Pawar’s group as the official NCP and granted it the ‘clock’ symbol, creates confusion among voters. Sharad contends that the symbol is intrinsically linked to his leadership and that its continued use by Ajit’s faction undermines the distinct identity of his party. In his plea, Sharad Pawar urged the Supreme Court to prevent Ajit from using the symbol until the court resolves his appeal challenging the EC’s ruling.
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The urgency of the matter has been emphasized due to the approaching deadline for filing nominations, which is October 29. Sharad Pawar’s legal team has asserted that both factions should refrain from using the ‘clock’ symbol to maintain a level playing field. On the other hand, Ajit Pawar’s faction has begun submitting nominations using the symbol, arguing that they possess a legitimate claim based on the EC’s allocation.
The legal battle over the symbol not only highlights the internal strife within the NCP but also reflects broader implications for Maharashtra’s political landscape. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision could influence voter perception and party dynamics as both factions prepare for the assembly elections. The NCP, historically significant in Maharashtra politics, risks further fragmentation if the disputes over symbols and leadership are not resolved.
Both factions are waiting for the court’s decision, which could be pivotal for their electoral strategies and the future of the NCP in Maharashtra. As the hearing date approaches, the political stakes are high, and the implications of this dispute extend beyond mere symbols, affecting party loyalty and voter trust.
