Nobody can steal the Shiv Sena's election symbol: Uddhav Thackeray

Uddhav Thackeray, the President of the Shiv Sena, is down but not out. He took an aggressive stance, telling the rebel MLAs that the party's bow and arrow symbol would remain. Thackeray stated that he consulted constitutional experts, who informed him that while the legislature party can split, the original party remains and cannot be finished. "There are two parties: the legislature party and the original party. There should be no ambiguity about the symbol. Shiv Sainik can be confident that the bow and arrow symbol will live on," he said. "No one can take Shiv Sena's bow and arrow away from them," he added.

 

Thackeray claimed that the Supreme Court's decision on the disqualification petitions of 16 rebel MLAs, scheduled for July 11, would determine not only the future of the Shiv Sena but also the future of Indian democracy. He also challenges rebel MLAs to face midterm elections in Maharashtra, saying that people should be allowed to vote on whether the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by him should be deposed. Thackeray's call comes just days after NCP chief Sharad Pawar hinted at a mid-term election, citing internal contradictions and resentment as reasons why the Shinde-Fadnavis government could fall in the next six months.

 

Thackeray stated that the change of power in the state could have occurred with grace and dignity in 2019 rather than with "betrayal" as was done last week. He was referring to the Sena and BJP's split following the 2019 Assembly elections over the issue of equal sharing of the Chief Minister's posts and portfolios. Thackeray chastised the Shiv Sena for remaining silent while the BJP targeted and "abused" him and his family over the last two and a half years. "You keep in touch with them and betray your party in this manner," he said, without naming Shinde.

 

In the midst of a growing chorus from party MPs (Rahul Shewale and Rajendra Gavit) supporting NDA nominee Draupadi Murmu in the presidential election, Thackeray stated that he would decide on which candidate to support after consulting with party MPs. Thackeray and Maha Vikas Aghadi are scheduled to meet on July 17 to plan their joint strategy for the Presidential election. Yashwant Sinha, the opposition candidate, is expected to attend the upcoming meeting.

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @thefirstindia