Uddhav Thackeray meeting: A day after the Election Commission recognised the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the 'real' Shiv Sena, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with his party leaders where he called Shinde a "thief" who allegedly stole his party symbol. During the meeting, Thackeray, following the dramatic setback, asserted that the "game has now begun" and threatened the incumbent government to pull their socks.
The meeting of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leaders, deputy leaders, elected representatives and spokespersons attended the meeting at Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra in the afternoon, Thackeray's aide said.
Interestingly, on Friday, in a big blow to Thackeray, the EC allotted the name 'Shiv Sena' and its poll symbol 'bow and arrow' to the group led by CM Shinde.
This is for the first time that the Thackeray family has lost control of the party that was founded in 1966 by Balasaheb Thackeray on the principles of justice for the sons of the soil.
"Judges will be given post-retirement benefits"
In a scathing attack on the Election Commission and the judge who cleared a 'victory' for Shinde, Thackeray alleged that both EC and the judge gave a decision in favour of the incumbent government in exchange for post-retirement benefits. "The judge has given the decision in favour of Shinde in order to become governor of any state, like other judges," said Thackeray.
He declared the situation a victory for Shiv Sena as the Bhartiya Janata Party has to use their party name and symbol to preach to the common people. He ascertained that the BJP would try to get their "Mashal logo".
Know more about Shiv Sena symbol row:
In a unanimous order on the six-month-old petition filed by Shinde, the three-member Commission said it had relied on the numerical strength of the party in the legislative wing, where the chief minister enjoyed the support of 40 of the 55 MLAs and 13 of the 18 Lok Sabha members. Shinde broke ranks with Thackeray in June last year and formed the government in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In its order, the Commission said 40 MLAs, supporting the Shinde faction, garnered 36,57,327 votes out of total 47,82,440 votes, which accounts for approximately 76 per cent of votes polled in favour of 55 winning MLAs. This was in contrast with 11,25,113 votes garnered by 15 MLAs whose support is claimed by the Thackeray faction.
Thackeray had on Friday termed the EC's decision as dangerous for democracy, and said he would challenge it in the Supreme Court, while CM Shinde had described the development as victory of truth and people.
(With agencies inputs)
ALSO READ: Eknath Shinde faction is now 'real' Shiv Sena; EC entitles 'bow and arrow' poll symbol
ALSO READ: Shiv Sena rift: Supreme Court defers verdict on reference to larger bench to February 21
