The Election Commission has granted a major relief to Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. The Election Commission has granted the Shinde faction to retain the name of the party as Shiv Sena and also the symbol of Bow and Arrow.
The issue is pending with the Supreme Court and the decision is expected within a couple of days. The decision of the Election Commission is a major shock to Uddhav Thackeray, son of founder of Shiv Sena Balasaheb Thackeray. Uddhav inherited the leadership of Shiv Sena from his father. His cousin brother Raj Thackeray left Shiv Sena after Uddhav Thackeray was named to inherit Balasaheb’s legacy in the party.
Uddhav Thackeray became Chief Minister by working out alliance with Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, even when Shiv Sena contested the elections with Bharatiya Janata Party.
Eknath Shinde, who was a minister in Thackeray ministry, left the party in June last year. He received support of 40 Shiv Sena legislators. The revolt was basically against Uddhav’s leadership.
Shinde claimed that his group being in majority leads the Shiv Sena and also claimed the rights on the party symbol. The issue reached the court.
Meanwhile, Shinde formed the government with the support of BJP and became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. BJP, which has the highest number of legislators in the Assembly, chose Devendra Fadnavis as the Deputy Chief Minister.
The decision of the Central Election Commission is a big shock to Uddhav Thackeray, he being in the lineage of Balasaheb Thackeray family.
