Sharad Pawar launches party's new 'man blowing turha' symbol at Raigad Fort

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar unveiled the party's new symbol, a 'man blowing turha', amidst a grand ceremony at Chhatrapati Shivaji's historic Raigad Fort on Saturday. The veteran leader was carried on a palanquin up the steep fort, a symbol of Maharashtra's rich history and valour.

The Election Commission of India recently allotted the new symbol of 'man blowing turha' to the NCP after deciding to grant the party's original name and its iconic 'clock' symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar. The new symbol depicts a man blowing a long, curved trumpet-like instrument, adorned with a thread or string, known as "turha" or "turhi" in Maharashtra.

After the EC's announcement, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Chandra Pawar posted on X "in the history of Maharashtra, Chhatrapati Shiv Rai's valour, the Trumpet, which set the ears of the throne of Delhi, is a matter of pride for the 'Nationalist Congress Party- Sharad Chandra Pawar' today. With the progressive thoughts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the idol of Maharashtra, Phule, Shahu, Ambedkar, and respected 'Tutari' is ready to blow the trumpet once again to shake the throne of Delhi," the NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar said.

Speaking about the same, party leader Jitendra Awhad, earlier on Friday said that the bugle will be blown in the elections and "we will win the battle of ideas".

"This is a good sign for us. Thanks to the Election Commission for this. Because by giving the 'trumpet' sign, it has given the message to Sharad Pawar Saheb and his soldiers that you should stand for the war and win," Ahwad said.