In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the ‘clock’ symbol of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will remain with Ajit Pawar’s faction, dealing a major blow to veteran leader Sharad Pawar ahead of the crucial Maharashtra Assembly elections.
However, the court emphasized that the Ajit Pawar group must “meticulously” adhere to its earlier orders, adding disclaimers in election-related advertisements clarifying that a final decision on the NCP’s leadership is still pending.
“If we feel that a deliberate attempt is being made to violate our order, we can initiate suo motu contempt proceedings,” the NDTV quoted the bench, composed of Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan, as saying.
Background of the Legal Battle
The internal dispute within the NCP began when Sharad Pawar’s faction approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Election Commission’s decision to award both the NCP party name and its iconic ‘clock’ symbol to Ajit Pawar. The dispute stems from Ajit Pawar’s breakaway in July of last year, when he left the party citing dissatisfaction with Sharad Pawar’s leadership and aligned with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena coalition led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The Election Commission had sided with Ajit Pawar, stating that he had the support of the majority of NCP MLAs. Consequently, the Sharad Pawar faction was allowed to retain the name “Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar” and use a new symbol, the “Man blowing Turha.”
Sharad Pawar’s Concerns of Voter Confusion
Sharad Pawar’s camp had previously raised concerns that retaining the ‘clock’ symbol with Ajit Pawar could confuse voters, particularly in Maharashtra, where the NCP has historically held a strong base. The veteran leader argued that the symbol is closely associated with the NCP’s identity, which he founded in 1999 alongside Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar after being expelled from the Congress.
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This concern was compounded during the Lok Sabha elections, where Sharad Pawar’s faction alleged that Ajit Pawar’s group had failed to add disclaimers on election posters and banners, leading to widespread voter confusion.
Supreme Court’s Warning to Ajit Pawar Faction
In today’s ruling, the Supreme Court reiterated the importance of adhering to its earlier directions, instructing the Ajit Pawar faction to refrain from creating any “embarrassing situation” by violating the court’s orders.
“Please file a fresh undertaking as well that you will not violate our directions present as well as till the end of elections. We expect both sides to comply with our directions. Please don’t create an embarrassing (situation) for you,” remarked Justice Surya Kant.
The court also warned that any deliberate violations of its order could result in contempt proceedings.
Political Ramifications Ahead of Maharashtra Polls
This ruling comes at a pivotal time, as Maharashtra heads towards its assembly elections. The rift within the NCP has already reshaped the state’s political landscape, with Ajit Pawar commanding the majority of party MLAs and aligning with the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government.
On February 15, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had ruled that Ajit Pawar’s faction represented the “real” NCP, citing that the anti-defection law could not apply as the split was a result of internal dissent and Ajit Pawar had the required numbers.
While Sharad Pawar remains a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, his faction’s ability to reclaim its former political standing without the ‘clock’ symbol remains uncertain.
Election Commission’s Role and Court’s Temporary Orders
The dispute reached the Supreme Court after Sharad Pawar’s faction objected to the Election Commission’s decision to award the party name and symbol to Ajit Pawar. While the court has upheld the Election Commission’s ruling for now, it has made it clear that the Ajit Pawar faction cannot use Sharad Pawar’s name or photograph for political purposes.
The final ruling in this high-stakes political and legal battle is yet to be delivered, but the interim decision keeps Ajit Pawar’s faction in control of the NCP’s legacy symbol.
