Sharad Pawar Seeks Supreme Court Intervention to Prevent Voter Confusion Over NCP Symbol

Mumbai, 4th October 2024: Senior Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar has approached the Supreme Court to prevent his estranged nephew, Ajit Pawar, from utilizing the ‘clock’ symbol of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the upcoming Assembly elections later this year.

In his argument, Sharad Pawar contends that restricting Ajit Pawar from using the symbol would enhance clarity and fairness in the electoral process. He has urged Ajit Pawar to apply for a new election symbol to prevent voter confusion. The two have been embroiled in a contentious dispute over the party’s name and symbol for the past two years.

Before the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India provisionally assigned the “Man Blowing a Turha” symbol to Sharad Pawar’s faction, while Ajit Pawar’s faction retained the iconic ‘clock’ symbol, historically linked to the NCP.

Sharad Pawar’s plea asserts that the use of the party’s election symbol created confusion among voters during the general elections, and warns that the issue could escalate if Ajit Pawar continues to use the ‘clock’ symbol.

In his submission to the Supreme Court, Sharad Pawar emphasizes his 25-year association with the party and his role as its national president. He argues that allowing Ajit Pawar to utilize the ‘clock’ symbol could mislead voters and compromise the integrity of the elections.

“To maintain a fair contest and prevent opportunistic exploitation of voter confusion, Ajit Pawar needs to choose a different symbol,” the plea states.

Reports indicate that the plea may be scheduled for a hearing on October 15.