Decide on party symbol after SC ruling: Uddhav Thackeray to ECI

The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter on Tuesday, February 14

Amid hectic political developments in Maharashtra, former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to give its order on the issue of Shiv Sena name and symbol only after the Supreme Court rules on the issue of disqualification of rebel MLAs.

It may be mentioned that last year, the ECI had frozen the name ‘Shiv Sena’ and ‘dhanushya baan’ (bow and arrow) symbol after claims and counter-claims by the Thackeray group and the rebel faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Subsequently, it allotted ‘Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray’ as the party name for the Thackeray group and 'Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena’ for the Shinde faction. They were given ‘mashaal’ (flaming torch) and ‘dhal-talwar’ (two swords and shield) symbols, respectively.

Also Read | Sena leader claims stones were thrown during Aaditya Thackeray's public meeting

The arguments before the ECI were completed and written submissions were given.

On the other hand, the Constitution bench of the Supreme Court will start hearing the matter of disqualification and related Constitutional issues from April 14.

"Let me assert. We are fully confident that the 16 (rebel) MLAs (including Shinde) will be disqualified," Thackeray told reporters at Matoshree, his bungalow at Bandra. "I appeal to the ECI to give its decision on the party poll symbol only after the SC rules on the disqualification proceedings," he said, describing the rebels as "traitors", asserting that there is only one Shiv Sena.

On the claims of Shinde faction that they have more MPs and MLAs, he said, "If that is the case then tomorrow, anybody with money power including industrialists can become the Prime Minister or Chief Minister."

However, the Shinde faction lashed out at Thackeray. "When elections were held in Shiv Sena, if it has happened, kindly provide the necessary footage. What he is saying is misleading,” Shinde faction group leader Rahul Shewale said.

He said that the EC has said that the ECI is an "independent body" and hence, how it is asked to give its ruling only after the apex court’s decision.