Setback For Sharad Pawar As SC Allows Ajit Pawar's NCP To Use Clock Symbol

The Supreme Court has permitted the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to continue using the "clock" symbol for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election. However, they must include a disclaimer and submit a new undertaking by November 4, ensuring compliance with court directives.

Sharad Pawar had petitioned the court to prevent Ajit Pawar's group from using the NCP's "clock" symbol. Earlier this year, after a party split, the Election Commission assigned this symbol to Ajit Pawar's faction. In 2023, Ajit Pawar joined the ruling Mahayuti alliance, opposing his uncle.

During Thursday's hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Sharad Pawar, accused Ajit Pawar's faction of omitting disclaimers in their election materials. Singhvi argued that they sought association with Sharad Pawar to gain votes. "Your lordships have passed orders directing them to put a disclaimer and make it clear that you don't belong to Sharad Pawar and you are a faction completely related to Ajit Pawar. There is no disclaimer from their side," Singhvi said.

Balbir Singh, representing Ajit Pawar's camp, countered that they had adhered to all court instructions. He claimed that false documents were being used against them and expressed readiness to provide all relevant pamphlets and documents as evidence. "They are using false documents. We have given disclaimers... They are just trying their luck again. I am willing to file all the pamphlets and documents that are there," Singh said.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Supreme Court allowed Sharad Pawar's group to use "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as its name with a man blowing "turha" as its symbol. The court prohibited Ajit Pawar's faction from using Sharad Pawar’s name or image for political advantage.

Singhvi also highlighted confusion within the Lok Sabha Secretariat regarding the two NCP factions. He urged that neither faction should benefit from a disputed symbol while it remains under judicial review. "The undertaking given by them is being defied. Do not give me or them the clock. Give them any other symbol. Nobody should enjoy the goodwill of a symbol that is sub-judice," he said.

The Supreme Court warned Ajit Pawar’s group against violating its orders during elections, cautioning against creating an embarrassing situation for themselves. It stated that deliberate non-compliance could lead to contempt proceedings initiated by the court itself.

The case will be revisited on November 4 when further developments are expected as both factions prepare for upcoming electoral challenges in Maharashtra amidst ongoing legal disputes over party symbols and affiliations.