Political Controversy Erupts Over Trademark Claims by Former Womens Commission Head
Former Maharashtra Womens Commission head Rupali Chakankars trademark claims spark political backlash from NCP and Congress leaders.
Pune, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : A recent social media post by Rupali Chakankar, the former head of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, has ignited a political firestorm. Chakankar announced that she has registered a trademark for her name, image, identity, and personal style, warning against unauthorized use of these elements. This statement has drawn sharp criticism from leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress.
In her post, Chakankar asserted that her name, photographs, identity, and unique presentation style are now trademarked. She cautioned that anyone using her name, image, or style for personal or commercial gain without her consent could face legal action. She emphasized that such actions could lead to the seizure of objectionable or illegal content, and individuals could be subject to criminal and civil proceedings.
NCP leader Rupali Thombare-Patil challenged Chakankar’s claims, recalling the controversy surrounding Ashok Kharat that led to Chakankar resigning from her position. Thombare-Patil alleged that Chakankar is now threatening legal action to divert public attention from her past.
She pointed out that while Chakankar once held a position that commanded respect from police officials, she now faces complaints in police stations regarding alleged misuse of her authority. Thombare-Patil mentioned that a petition had been filed against Chakankar in the Delhi High Court, and she had also been granted interim bail by the Mumbai High Court in a related Pune case.
Thombare-Patil further questioned whether legal action would be taken against anyone who dresses like Chakankar or imitates her style. She argued that both leaders and ordinary citizens have the constitutional right to freedom of expression and should not be intimidated by legal threats.
Congress leader Sangeeta Tiwari also expressed her discontent with Chakankar’s statements. She questioned if women wearing sarees are mimicking Chakankar and whether women who wear mangalsutras are also imitating her. Tiwari suggested that Chakankar should view herself as an ordinary person and refrain from making such statements.
Tensions are escalating as political leaders respond to Chakankar’s controversial claims, raising questions about personal branding and the limits of legal protections in the public sphere.
