Election Commission allots 'two swords and shield' symbol to Shinde faction of Shiv Sena

The Shinde faction had suggested 'peepal tree', 'sword and shield', and 'sun' as its choice of poll symbols

The “Balasahebanchi ShivSena” led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde - who rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray - has been allocated the two swords & shield by the Election Commission of India on Tuesday.

The development comes a day after the Thackeray group got the name Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the Mashaal (Flaming Torch) symbol.

On Monday, the ECI has rejected Shinde’s choice of trident, Rising Sun and mace and was asked to submit three choices from fresh symbols.

Accordingly, Shinde suggested symbols - sun, peepal tree, and sword & shield.

The ECI stated that the "swords & shield" suggested does not figure in the list of free symbols.

"It resembles an erstwhile reserved symbol 'two swords & shield' of 'People's Democratic Movement' which was derecognised as a state party in 2004. On receipt of your request dated the Commission has decided to declare 'two swords & shield' to be a free symbol and allots it... till the final order is passed in the dispute," the order states.

Reacting to the development, Shinde, said: “Our ‘Balasahebanchi ShivSena is the party of the masses… it’s the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and belongs to all ordinary people...Dhal is for protecting 'sajjan' and Talwar is for 'durjan',” said Shinde.