In a blow to Uddhav Thackeray, Election Commission on Friday recognised Eknath Shinde's led-faction as the real Shiv Sena and ordered the allocation of the 'bow and arrow' poll symbol to it.
EC also observed that the undemocratic norms of the original Constitution of Shiv Sena, which was not accepted by the Commission in 1999 have been brought back in a surreptitious manner further making the party akin to a fiefdom.
Shinde calls it the victory of Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology
Speaking about the Commission's decision, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shinde said, "this is the victory of Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology."
Deputy CM of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Shinde and said "I heartily congratulate Chief Minister Eknathrao Shinde, who is fighting for Hindutva and truth, following the thoughts of Hindu Heart Emperor Balasaheb Thackeray, and all the Shiv Sainiks of the state for getting the name Shiv Sena Party and the symbol of the bow."
Uddhav fraction condemns the ECI decision
Condemning the EC's decision, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's spokesperson, Anand Dubey said, "The order is what we had suspected. We had been saying that we don't trust the EC. When matter is sub-judice before SC and no final decision has been taken, this haste by EC shows it works as a BJP agent under Central Govt. We condemn this."
Uddhav Thackeray-led faction Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut bashed EC's decision and said, "Such a decision was expected; don’t have faith in Election Commission."
He Tweeted, 'Through its Order, Election Commission has cast a shroud of doubt over itself in the eyes of People of Maharashtra & the Nation.' '“Thackeray” stands for resilience, tenacity, perseverance, grit and innovation. Election Commission cannot dent that. We will fight it out upto Hon’ble Supreme Court and emerge a WINNER. In Elections, People of Maharashtra will pass the final verdict. WE WILL WIN !,' his other tweet reads.
CM changes his profile picture on Twitter
Just after the decision of the Election Commission came into the limelight, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde updated his profile picture on Twitter to Shiv Sena's 'bow and arrow' symbol.
Apart from Maharashtra CM, changes were witnessed on the Twitter page of Raj Thackeray too, he uploaded a video on the micro-blogging platform Twitter.
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