Shiv Sena symbol war: The Election Commission on Monday allotted new names to both factions of Shiv Sena, one led by Uddhav Thackeray and another by Eknath Shinde.
The election commission allotted the name 'Balasahebanchi ShivSena' to Shinde faction and 'ShivSena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to Thackeray faction. However, it declined to allot 'Trishul', 'Rising Sun' and 'Gada' as symbols as they are "not in the list of free symbols".
The Election Commission of India has asked the Shinde faction to furnish a list of 3 fresh symbols by October 11, tomorrow and declares 'Flaming Torch' as the symbol of candidates of Thackeray faction in the current by-election and till the final order is passed in the current dispute.
Speaking on EC's decision, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Deepak Kesarkar said, "everyone should accept the decision given by the Election Commission today. We welcome this decision."
"We got this name of Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. Balasaheb's name will be with us. Udvav Thackeray Shiv Sena on one hand and our Balasaheb's Shiv Sena on the another," he said.
"We follow Balasaheb's Hindutva ideas, hence we got the name Balasaheb. Eknath Shinde got the blessings of Balasaheb in a way with his name. Uddhav Thackeray left Hindutva, so he did not get the name of Balasaheb," he said attacking Thackeray faction.
"We have to give 3 symbols till tomorrow morning (Tuesday). Eknath Shinde will discuss and decide by tomorrow," he mentioned.
"The new symbol, new name 'ShivSena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)' - we're extremely proud of Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. He has worked as a Chief Minister, saving thousands of lives in Maharashtra. We have been a truthful honest government, working for the people," said Aaditya Thackeray.
"Everyone knows how he has worked. It also has the name of Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray in it. Most importantly, the 'Mashaal' (flaming torch) is something we will take with pride to every home," Aaditya Thackeray added.
Uddhav Thackeray Team
- Name - Shivsena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)
- Symbol - Flaming Torch
Eknath Shinde Team
- Name - Balasahebanchi Shivsena
- Symbol - EC has asked to give three fresh symbols
ALSO READ | Some leaders don't want change, people who supported my nomination pressurised: Tharoor spills the beans
ALSO READ | Uddhav Thackeray challenges EC's decision on freezing Shiv Sena name, symbol
