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New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has recognized Eknath Shinde’s team as the real Shiv Sena. On Friday, the Commission has also given Shiv Sena’s ‘bow and arrow’ election symbol to the Shinde faction. After this decision, Uddhav Thackeray’s team has suffered a setback. Uddhav Thackeray has lost both his party’s name and identity (election symbol).
The Election Commission found that the constitution of the Uddhav faction’s party is undemocratic. In this, people were appointed without any election. The commission also found that undemocratic practices were secretly brought back in the Shiv Sena’s original constitution, reducing the party to a private fiefdom. These methods were rejected by the Election Commission in 1999. With this, now the claim of Uddhav faction from Shiv Sena in Maharashtra is considered to be over.
In a 78-page order, the Election Commission said that Eknath Shinde, who became chief minister after the rebellion, had the support of 76 per cent of the party’s winning votes in the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections. Along with this, the commission allowed the Uddhav Thackeray faction to keep the ‘torch’ election symbol allotted last year.
“I thank the Election Commission. The majority counts in democracy. This is the victory of [Shiv Sena founder] Balasaheb [Thackeray]’s legacy. Ours is the true Shiv Sena,” Mr Shinde said.
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena MP from Mr Thackeray’s team, said, “Such a decision was expected. We don’t have faith in the Election Commission.” Sources said the former Chief Minister’s camp will challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.
At the same time, the Supreme Court has postponed the decision on Shiv Sena vs Shinde faction dispute in Maharashtra till 21 February. “Whether the principles of Nabam Rebia are applicable in this case and whether the matter should be referred to a 7-judge bench can be decided on the merits of the present case,” the bench said. Will hear it on Tuesday.
A five-judge bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud had reserved the decision to refer the case to a seven-judge bench a day earlier. The bench also included Justice MR Shah, Justice Krishna Murari, Justice Hema Kohli and Justice PS Narasimha along with CJI DY Chandrachud.
