Shiv Sena row: Uddhav Thackeray demands EC dissolution, says it ‘can’t dictate who will get what’

After EC recognises Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena as ‘real’ party, Uddhav Thackeray alleges it was a pre-planned conspiracy to snatch the Sena name and political symbol. ‘You cannot steal my Thackeray name,’ he hit out.

Uddhav announced that his faction has approached the Supreme Court against the EC order and the hearing on the disqualification plea will be heard by the court from Tuesday. (Express Photo)

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Days after the Election Commission (EC) recognised the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the real Shiv Sena and allotted the party name and ‘bow and arrow’ symbol to it, Uddhav Thackeray on Monday called for the dissolution of the EC and demanded that the election commissioner should not be appointed directly by the government but instead should be elected.

“The EC should be dissolved immediately. The election commissioner should be appointed after holding elections. In our country, everyone has to get elected. But why is the election commissioner appointed by the government by their whims and fancies? Even justices are elected. There should be a system in place for appointing the election commissioner,” Uddhav said.

Uddhav announced that his faction has approached the Supreme Court against the EC order and the hearing on the disqualification plea will be heard by the court from Tuesday.

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Uddhav alleged that it was a pre-planned conspiracy to snatch the Shiv Sena name and political symbol. “They have stolen everything from me, from the party name Shiv Sena to symbol but remember, you can steal the party but you cannot steal my ‘Thackeray’ name. We have already approached the SC against the EC decision,” Uddhav said.

Commenting on the claims of the Shinde faction over party properties and the funds after the EC decision, Uddhav said, “The EC has a right to only give a decision on the party name and symbol. Apart from that it does not have a right to give a decision on anything, be it party’s properties or funds. If the EC gives any such order, we will sue the EC,” Uddhav said.

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He further said that the EC decision does not have a bearing on anything else apart from the party name and poll symbol. “EC cannot dictate who will get what. It is not their prerogative. Their prerogative is only to hold elections in the country, allot party poll symbol, and check if there is a democracy in the internal structure of political parties,” Uddhav said.

He further said that if this current scenario in the county continues, then the 2024 Lok Sabha elections may turn out to be the last elections in the country. “After that, anarchy will start,” Uddhav said.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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