Supreme Court allows Ajit Pawar's NCP to retain clock symbol

Ajit Pawar

Days ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, the Supreme Court on Thursday allowed that Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party can retain the clock symbol.

This is the second big win for Ajit Pawar group after Sharad Pawar faction lost the battle before the poll panel, which recognised Ajit Pawar as the leader of the main NCP, while the split group would now be called the NCP (Sharatchandra Pawar).

In February 2024, the plea challenging the Election Commission decision was filed by Sharad Pawar, who has said that the decision was erroneous. Additionally, the veteran leader challenged the decision allowing Ajit Pawar to use the 'Clock' symbol of the NCP. In multiple applications filed before the top court, it has been argued that the use of the clock symbol "confused" voters.

In March, the Supreme Court directed that the NCP Sharatchandra Pawar, would use the 'Man Blowing Turha' symbol, which shall not be allotted to any other political party or any independent candidate.

Additionally, the court directed Ajit Pawar’s party to "issue a public notice in the newspapers with Marathi, Hindi and English editions, notifying that the allocation of the Clock symbol is sub-judice before this Court". The declaration was also directed to be "incorporated in every pamphlet, advertisement, audio, or video clip to be issued" on behalf of the NCP (Ajit Pawar).