Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday expressed unhappiness at the Election Commission seeking documents from the Udhhav Thackeray-led faction to prove popular support for it and said the people will not forget those who have backstabbed the party.
Raut's remarks came after the Commission asked the rival factions of the Shiv Sena, led by Thackeray and Eknath Shinde, to submit documents in support of their claim on the election symbol of the party which split last month.
It is unfortunate that a party founded by Balasaheb Thackeray 56 years ago has been asked to submit documents to prove popular support.
"The 11 crore people of Maharashtra are proof of Shiv Sena's popular support. Breaking away 10-12 people by offering them bribes is no proof, Rault told reporters in Mumbai.
Raut alleged that the rebels have become a tool in the hands of people sitting in Delhi, who are trying to "destroy" Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena.
The people of Maharashtra will give you a befitting response, the Rajya Sabha member said, adding that Aditya Thackeray has been receiving massive support from the people during his ongoing state-wide tour.
Those who have backstabbed Shiv Sena, those who have hurt the dignity of Maharashtra, will not be forgiven by the people of state.
"Shiv Sena lives in the heart of every person of Maharashtra. It gives strength to every hand in Maharashtra. What more proof is required, Raut asked.
Earlier, the Election Commission asked the rival factions of the Shiv Sena to submit documents by August 8 in support of their claims on the election symbol of the political outfit.
Election Commission sources said the two sides have been asked to submit documents, including letters of support from the legislative and organisational wings of the party and the written statements of the rival factions.
They said the requirements were made in line with the Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Quarterly Starter
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app