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

The NCP claims that the ad portrays a character who resembles Pawar in an unflattering light. The ad also includes phrases like “False Promises” and “Misleading Statements” aimed at criticizing Pawar’s policies.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (Image: PTI)

As the Maharashtra election campaign heats up, a controversial ad by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition has sparked outrage within the Nationalist 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 portrays a character who resembles Pawar in an unflattering light. In the video, the character, dressed in a pink jacket and eating dhokla, has a conversation with a woman who sarcastically criticizes the financial assistance provided by the government. The woman, featured in the ad, questions the sufficiency of the Rs 1,500 monthly payment Pawar allegedly promised, saying it is inadequate to cover rising living costs. The ad also includes phrases like “False Promises” and “Misleading Statements” aimed at criticizing Pawar’s policies.

In response, the NCP filed a formal complaint with the Mumbai Police, seeking action against what it sees as a “deliberate attempt to defame” Ajit Pawar’s reputation. Suraj Chavan, head of the NCP Youth Wing, has sent a letter to the Police. Stating that the ad misrepresents Pawar’s actions and is part of a false narrative to mislead voters, Chavan alleged that the ad is intended to damage Pawar’s public image and undermine his credibility, especially in the context of welfare initiatives of the government.

“The Sharad Pawar faction has a good idea that they cannot match the work done by Ajit Pawar in the state. Therefore, they stooped so low. Working for people is what makes us different from them. We have already lodged our complaint with the authorities against their pathetic ad which maligns the image of our leader,” said Suraj Chavan.

The NCP also alleged that the ad, though presented as a satire, is spreading misinformation about Pawar’s role and the assistance he has provided to the public. By hiring a look-alike actor and writing misleading dialogues, MVA, according to the NCP, aims to portray Pawar in a negative light for political gain. Chavan pointed out that such tactics undermine political discourse and damage the integrity of the electoral process.

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