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The political feud within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) continues to play out in the Indian courts, with the Supreme Court issuing a stern directive to Ajit Pawar's faction. The court ruled that the Ajit Pawar-led group, which split from the party founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar last year, is prohibited from using photographs or videos of Sharad Pawar during their campaigning for the upcoming elections. This ruling comes as the two factions are vying for the NCP's voter base in the crucial state of Maharashtra.
The court's decision was a direct response to concerns raised by Sharad Pawar's legal team regarding the use of a video featuring the senior leader by Ajit Pawar's faction. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Sharad Pawar, argued that this video could be misleading to voters, implying a unity that doesn't exist, and potentially benefitting Ajit Pawar's faction in the polls. This contention was dismissed by Ajit Pawar's legal team, claiming the video was not part of their current campaign material. However, the court's response was decisive: 'Whether or not it is an old video... you have an ideological difference with Sharad Pawar and are fighting against him. Therefore... you should try to stand on your own legs.'
This ruling highlights the deep divisions within the NCP, as Ajit Pawar seeks to establish his own political identity while grappling with the formidable legacy of his uncle. The Supreme Court's statement, 'Find your own identity as a separate and distinct political party...', underscores the challenge facing Ajit Pawar. He must now navigate the upcoming elections without relying on the considerable influence of Sharad Pawar, a task made more difficult by the fact that the two factions are competing in 36 seats.
The use of the undivided NCP's clock symbol has been a focal point of contention between the two factions. While the court previously allowed Ajit Pawar's group to utilize the symbol, the court has emphasized that the final ruling on this matter is pending. The court's sharp reprimand over non-compliance with their earlier order, highlighting Ajit Pawar's failure to clearly state the pending ruling regarding the symbol in public announcements, showcases the pressure the court is applying to ensure fairness during the elections.
The rivalry between the two Pawars is a microcosm of the larger political landscape in Maharashtra. It is a battle not only for power but also for the legacy of a party deeply intertwined with the state's history. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test for both factions, as they seek to convince voters to embrace their respective visions for the future of the NCP.
Source: "Find Your Own Identity": Team Ajit Pawar Can't Use Sharad Pawar Pics