"I'd like to thank the Election Commission. In a democracy, the majority rule applies.
Digital Desk: The Election Commission has cleared Eknath Shinde's claim on the Shiv Sena's name and bow-and-arrow symbol nearly eight months after his coup in Maharashtra, in a major setback for former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
The commission stated in a 78-page order on the protracted battle for control of the organisation that Mr Shinde, who became Chief Minister after the revolt, was supported by MLAs with 76% of the party's winning votes in the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
It allowed the Uddhav Thackeray faction to keep the 'flaming torch' poll symbol that had been assigned to them last year.
"I'd like to thank the Election Commission. In a democracy, the majority rule applies. This is the legacy of [Shiv Sena founder] Balasaheb [Thackeray]. We are the genuine Shiv Sena "Mr. Shinde stated.
Mr Thackeray's Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut stated, "This was a foregone conclusion. We don't trust the Election Commission." According to sources, the former Chief Minister's camp will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
Following his rebellion in June, when he walked away with most of the party's lawmakers with the help of the BJP, triggering the eventual demise of Uddhav Thackeray's state government, the two sides have been fighting for the party's identity.
The Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol was later frozen, while the Eknath Shinde faction received the 'two swords and shield' symbol and the Uddhav Thackeray camp received the 'flaming torch' symbol.
Uddhav Thackeray asked the Delhi High Court to overrule the Election Commission in November of last year. The court, however, dismissed the plea.
Last month, the factions led by Mr Shinde and Mr Thackeray filed written statements with the poll body in support of their claims over the party's name and symbol.
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