In a significant statement on Wednesday, the Supreme Court advised the faction of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to "stand on your own legs" and stop using images and videos of Sharad Pawar in their Maharashtra election campaign. The bench, led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, was hearing a petition from the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction seeking to prevent Ajit Pawar?s camp from using the "clock" symbol and Sharad Pawar's likeness in campaign material ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election in 2024.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Sharad Pawar faction, presented campaign materials that showed Sharad Pawar?s image being used by the Ajit Pawar faction. Singhvi argued that Ajit Pawar?s camp was leveraging Sharad Pawar?s popularity to gain traction with voters. He further highlighted a video shared by Amol Mitkari, an Ajit Pawar faction candidate, on X (formerly Twitter), featuring Sharad Pawar.

When Balbir Singh, representing the Ajit Pawar faction, claimed the videos were "doctored," Singhvi countered by stating that the content was posted from Mitkari's verified account, leaving little doubt of its authenticity.

Justice Surya Kant responded sharply, questioning the appropriateness of Ajit Pawar?s camp using Sharad Pawar?s image despite an ideological split, stating, "Whether or not it is an old video, with Mr. Pawar you have an ideological difference and you are fighting against him. Then you should try to stand up on your own legs."

The court?s remarks come at a crucial time, with the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections drawing near, where both factions of the NCP are contending for influence. The Ajit Pawar faction has been increasingly vocal in claiming continuity with Sharad Pawar?s legacy, even as they face opposition from Sharad Pawar?s loyalists.

As the legal tussle unfolds, the Supreme Court?s comment underscores the ongoing challenges for Ajit Pawar's faction, which has been attempting to establish its identity while navigating the legacy of the NCP founder Sharad Pawar. The court will continue hearings on the issue in the coming days as the election campaign intensifies.