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The Supreme Court of India has directed the faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar to publish disclaimers in newspapers, including in Marathi, within 36 hours, clarifying that the allocation of the party's 'clock' symbol is subject to the outcome of proceedings pending before the court. This order comes after the Election Commission of India recognized the Ajit Pawar faction as the 'real' NCP, granting them the use of the 'clock' symbol. However, the Sharad Pawar faction, who maintains the 'Man Blowing Turha' symbol, filed an application with the Supreme Court demanding that the Ajit Pawar faction be temporarily allotted a new symbol for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The court's order stems from an earlier hearing where they emphasized the need for both factions to strictly comply with the interim direction issued on March 19th. This direction required the Ajit Pawar-led party to issue a public notice in English, Marathi, and Hindi, stating that the usage of the 'clock' symbol is subject to the Supreme Court's final decision. The court also mandated that this declaration be included in every pamphlet, advertisement, audio, or video clip issued by the Ajit Pawar faction.
The Supreme Court has also instructed the Sharad Pawar faction to refrain from using the 'clock' symbol while abiding by the court's orders. Furthermore, the Ajit Pawar faction has been directed to ensure their party workers, office bearers, and candidates understand and comply with the Supreme Court's directive. In a separate plea filed with the Supreme Court, Jayant Patil, a leader from the Sharad Pawar group, has sought the disqualification of Ajit Pawar faction MLAs for defecting from the NCP and joining the Sena-BJP government. This legal battle surrounding the NCP's symbol and the implications of defection for Ajit Pawar's MLAs will continue to be a significant point of contention in the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections.