Ajit Pawar’s 'Image Maligned' in Viral MVA Advertisement, NCP Demands Action

Last Updated:November 08, 2024, 13:06 IST

The NCP claims that the ad features a character resembling Pawar in an unflattering light. The ad also includes phrases such as “False promises” and “Misleading statements,” intended to criticise Pawar’s policies.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (Image: PTI)

As Maharashtra’s election campaign heats up, a controversial advertisement from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition has sparked outrage within the ist Congress Party (NCP). The ad, which has gone viral on social media, is accused of defaming Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The NCP claims that the ad features a character resembling Pawar in an unflattering light. In the video, the character, dressed in a pink jacket and eating dhokla, engages in a conversation with a woman who sarcastically criticises the financial assistance provided by the government. The woman, shown in the ad, questions the sufficiency of the Rs 1,500 monthly payment that Pawar allegedly promised, stating that it is inadequate to cover rising living costs. The ad also includes phrases such as “False promises" and “Misleading statements," intended to criticise Pawar’s policies.

In response, the NCP has lodged an official complaint with the Mumbai Police, calling for action against what it deems as a “deliberate attempt to malign" Ajit Pawar’s reputation. Suraj Chavan, head of the NCP Youth Wing, submitted a letter to the Police Commissioner, asserting that the ad misrepresents Pawar’s actions and is part of a false narrative designed to deceive voters. Chavan contended that the ad’s intention is to damage Pawar’s public image and undermine his credibility, particularly in the context of the government’s welfare initiatives.

“Sharad Pawar faction has got a fair idea that they can’t matchup to the work done by Ajit Pawar in the state. Hence, they have stooped to this so low. Doing work for people is what makes us different from them. We have already submitted our complaint to authorities against their pathetic ad which is maligning image our our leader," Suraj Chavan said.

The NCP further argued that the ad, though presented as satire, spreads misinformation about Pawar’s role and the assistance he has extended to the public. By employing a lookalike actor and scripting misleading dialogues, the MVA, according to the NCP, aims to portray Pawar in a negative light for political gain. Chavan emphasised that such tactics undermine political discourse and damage the integrity of the election process.

The NCP is demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those responsible for creating and circulating the ad. As the election season intensifies, this controversy highlights the growing use of media and advertisements in political campaigns, where the line between satire and defamation often becomes blurred. This incident underscores the fiercely competitive and sometimes personal nature of the electoral battle in Maharashtra.

News elections Ajit Pawar’s 'Image Maligned' in Viral MVA Advertisement, NCP Demands Action