Election Commission Disallows Both Shiv Sena Factions From Using Party Symbol
Mumbai, 9th October 2022: In June, Eknath Shinde rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray and camped in a resort in Gujarat and then in Assam over Shiv Sena MLAs. Since this incident, Shiv Sena MLAs and MPs started shunning Uddhav Thackeray. After a tussle over the Chief Minister’s post, the two factions are now clashing for the party symbol.
Overall, Uddhav Thackeray was able to save Shivaji Park only during the Dussehra rally. However, Eknath Shinde gave a complete challenge to Uddhav by rallying at another place in Mumbai on the day of Dussehra.
Taking a big decision on Saturday, the Election Commission banned the use of the Shiv Sena symbol for the Shinde and Uddhav factions. This decision has hurt the Uddhav Thackeray faction the most. Talking about the Eknath Shinde camp, although he was calling himself the real Shiv Sena, the symbol was being used by Balasaheb’s son Uddhav Thackeray. The Election Commission has given immediate relief that both factions can use the name of Shiv Sena in their new symbol.
Uddhav Thackeray, who is carrying forward the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, is currently in the most difficult phase of his political career. Eknath Shinde revolted in June and took Shiv Sena MLAs into confidence. When Uddhav refused to negotiate, Shinde started expanding his family. Gradually, Uddhav lost the support of more representatives, and he lost power. On the other hand, Shinde formed the government in Maharashtra with the help of the BJP and went to the Election Commission and staked a claim by claiming himself to be a real Shiv Sainik. Now, the commission has also given a blow to Uddhav on the Shiv Sena symbol.
According to media reports, this afternoon, Uddhav Thackeray can hold a meeting with senior office bearers, MLAs and MPs of his group. In this, the group can decide on a new symbol and name. However, the Uddhav faction may also go to the Supreme Court against the decision of the commission. Political experts believe that doing so will benefit the Uddhav faction. However, the Supreme Court, itself, had decided that the Election Commission should decide on Shiv Sena’s symbol.
There is also news that the Eknath Shinde faction has swung into action after the decision of the Election Commission. For this, the Shinde faction can take a big decision on the new symbol and name by meeting at 7 pm today. On 3rd November, the by-election is to be held in Andheri East. Given this, the Election Commission said that both factions would not be allowed to contest the elections on the symbol of Shiv Sena.
