NCP(SP) Issues Bold Challenge to Ajit Pawar: Surrender 'Clock' Symbol as a Test of Integrity

Following the Supreme Court's recent directives, the NCP(SP) has come out swinging against their rival, NCP President Ajit Pawar, with a bold challenge delivered in Mumbai on Wednesday: relinquish the iconic 'Clock' symbol.

In a press conference, Mahesh Tapase, the Chief Spokesperson for NCP(SP), asserted that Ajit Pawar's NCP has been dealt a blow by the Supreme Court's ruling and dared him to abandon the 'Clock' symbol, opting instead for a fresh emblem in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"Ajit Pawar conspired with the BJP to usurp the original NCP established by Sharad Pawar. However, he failed to recognize the steadfast support the party cadre continues to extend to Sharad Pawar and NCP(SP)," Tapase remarked.

The NCP, which was founded by the veteran leader Sharad Pawar 25 years ago, underwent a vertical split in July 2023. In February, the Election Commission recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the legitimate NCP, granting them the name and the iconic 'Clock' symbol. This decision was later upheld by the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker.

"We've filed a petition against this in the Supreme Court, and we await the final verdict. In the interim, we've been allocated the 'Trumpeter' symbol for the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections."

Tapase emphasized, "The Supreme Court has explicitly instructed that this symbol cannot be allocated to any other candidate or party and shall remain exclusively reserved for the NCP (SP)."

He further noted, "The Supreme Court has also mandated that the Ajit Pawar faction publicly acknowledge in their promotional materials that the use of the 'Clock' symbol is subject to the outcome of NCP(SP)'s petition."

Tapase highlighted the Supreme Court's recognition of the significance of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution in adjudicating cases related to defections, signaling a substantial setback for Ajit Pawar's NCP and setting clear boundaries for factions considering unlawful political defections with BJP's support.

"If Ajit Pawar's NCP has even a shred of self-respect remaining, it should relinquish its claim on the 'Clock' symbol and contest future elections under a new emblem," reiterated Tapase.

Despite these developments, the NCP remains undeterred, continuing their Lok Sabha election campaign under the 'Clock' symbol, while the NCP(SP) forges ahead with the 'Trumpeter' symbol.