NCP Symbol Controversy: Supreme Court to Hear Plea for Equal Treatment

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule has requested the Supreme Court to treat both NCP factions equally regarding election symbols. This request comes ahead of state assembly elections slated for November. The split in NCP led to a legal tussle over the 'clock' symbol, with both factions seeking new symbols.

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule has urged the Supreme Court to ensure equal treatment for both NCP factions concerning election symbols. Sule emphasized that as the Sharad Pawar-led faction received a new symbol, the same consideration should be granted to the Ajit Pawar faction. This move aims to seek 'natural justice' ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections in November.

The NCP split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar, along with several MLAs, joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government. The Election Commission subsequently assigned the name 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar' and a new symbol to the Sharad Pawar faction. The top court is set to hear this plea on September 25.

Supriya Sule reiterated that Sharad Pawar, as the party's founding member, should have a say in the party's decisions. The Supreme Court had earlier ruled that Sharad Pawar's name and photographs could not be used by the Ajit Pawar faction for political gain. All eyes are now on the court's decision, which could impact the electoral dynamics in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)