Image Credit: By Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (GODL-India), GODL-India
Supreme Court Bars Ajit Pawar Camp from Using Sharad Pawar’s Images
The Supreme Court has directed Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to avoid using images or videos of party founder Sharad Pawar during the campaign for the upcoming election.
This ruling comes after Ajit Pawar’s break from the senior Pawar’s side in July of last year. The court urged Ajit Pawar’s camp to “stand on their own feet” and establish a separate identity.
Court Emphasizes Ideological Split
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued the directive, responding to Sharad Pawar’s plea to prevent Ajit Pawar’s faction from using the NCP’s “clock” symbol and images of Sharad Pawar. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Sharad Pawar, argued that an old video featuring Sharad Pawar was being circulated by Ajit’s faction, potentially misleading voters into believing the two factions were united. Singhvi stated, “The idea behind circulating the video of Sharad Pawar was to create a false impression of unity, potentially confusing voters.”
Ajit Pawar Camp Ordered to Cease Use of Sharad Pawar’s Images
Justice Surya Kant emphasized that if Ajit Pawar’s faction has an ideological split with Sharad Pawar, they should avoid using his image. “Find your own identity as a separate and distinct political party,” Justice Kant remarked. The court instructed Ajit Pawar’s office to issue a circular to its members, ensuring compliance and removing Sharad Pawar’s images from any campaign material.
Dispute Over NCP’s “Clock” Symbol
The ongoing tussle over the NCP’s clock symbol has intensified as both factions vie for recognition. Previously, the court permitted Ajit Pawar’s camp to use the symbol on the condition that they publicly declare the decision is provisional. However, last week, the court criticized Ajit Pawar’s faction for failing to issue the mandated notice, giving them a 36-hour deadline to comply.
This dispute highlights the battle between the two NCP factions to establish distinct identities, as the November 20 election approaches. Ajit Pawar’s faction hopes to redefine itself after underperforming in recent federal elections, while Sharad Pawar’s side remains vigilant to prevent any misuse of his image or legacy.
