The conflict dates back in 2022, when rift started between the two factions of NCP over the use of “clock symbol” and led to the party split. However, until a final ruling was made regarding which faction was stated as the NCP’s legitimate representative, the Supreme Court permitted Ajit Pawar to keep the symbol on a conditional basis. In the present scenario, it has created confusion on a large scale among voters.
Amidst ongoing factional disputes, the Supreme Court has instructed Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP to cease using Sharad Pawar’s image in the Maharashtra election campaign. The Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized during the proceedings that the Ajit Pawar side needs to compete in the election on its own merits and by fair means. It was directed earlier to Ajit-Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to publish disclaimers in newspapers, including Marathi dailies to avoid any confusion further.
Again, they have refrained Ajit Pawar from using Sharad Pawar’s images or old or new video clips because there are ideological disagreements between them. You try to stand on your legs,” the bench told senior advocate Balibir Singh, appearing for Ajit Pawar-led faction. Justices cleared that the voters are smart enough to differentiate between Ajit and Sharad Pawar, So, it’s better not to underestimate them.
Ahead of the election on November 20, the Court also restated its earlier directive to keep the factions’ identities distinct. Additionally, it cautioned against utilizing AI to maintain decorum so that there is no compromise on account of the election’s fairness.
Representing Sharad Pawar, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, presented evidence in court, including pictures of banners and social media posts featuring Sharad Pawar, allegedly showing violations of the Supreme Court’s order. However, Senior Advocate Balbir Singh, Ajit Pawar’s lawyer, denied the charges, claiming the documents were “doctored.”