Mumbai: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray convened an important meeting at the party headquarters in the city on Monday. After the meeting held at 12.30 pm, he interacted with the press.
Uddhav after the meeting stated that symbol and party name being given to Eknath Shinde-led group is an attempt to kill Shiv Sena. He reiterated that Shiv Sena was not formed just to be at the beck and call of BJP; this is one of the most difficult phases like the one that arose after Balasaheb Thackeray's death.
While speaking to the media after the meeting, he said that Election Commission had not given the party name and symbol to sparring factions in the past. He questioned if Election Commission wanted to choose who will get party symbol and name over which group has more legislative backing, why ask for affidavits, loyalty certificates and other documents.
"I had requested the Election Commission, that there is a matter of suspended MLAs in the Supreme Court and until the verdict comes, don't give your decision," he said.
He also demanded dissolution of EC and proposed the members should be elected like judges from Supreme Court are.
"Everything has been stolen from me. The name and symbol of our party have been stolen but the name 'Thackeray' cannot be stolen. We have moved the Supreme Court against the decision given by the Election Commission, the hearing will start tomorrow," said Uddhav Thackeray.
He then elaborated, "If this (the current scenario in Maharashtra) is not stopped, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections may turn out to be the last elections in the country as after that anarchy will start here."
Election Commission allots party name, symbol to Shinde faction
The Election Commission of India on February 17 allotted the party name [Shiv Sena] and the symbol [bow and arrow] to the CM Shinde-led group.
Following that Uddhav Thackeray said that the ruling party has stooped to low-level in politics that their 'mashaal' [flaming torch symbol] could be taken away. He added, "They can steal the 'bow and arrow' but they can't take out Lord Ram from the hearts of people."
In a jibe to Shah, he said, "Someone (Amit Shah) who visited Pune yesterday asked how things were going in Maharashtra. Then, he got the reply that EC has taken the decision in their favour. Then, the same person said ' Very well, Mogambo Khush Hua'."
Thackeray moves Supreme Court
On Monday, Thackeray moved Supreme Court challenging EC's decision of alloting Shinde the party name and symbol. The case will be heard on February 21.
With agency inputs
