Page 5 - Uddhav Thackeray

Bhujbal would have become CM had he not left Sena, says Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal would have become the chief minister of Maharashtra had he not quit the Sena. Thackery was speaking at a function here to mark Bhujbal's 75th birthday which saw leaders of the Sena-NCP-Congress Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition coming together. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah was also present at the event along with NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat. ''I have now become shock-proof. But when Bhujbal left the Shiv Sena, I must admit that our family was in a state of shock. The anger (that was vented) was political. We could not digest it for a long time that one of our own family members had deserted us," Thackeray said. Bhujbal, once a firebrand Shiv Sena leader, quit the Bal Thackeray-led party and joined the Congress in the 1990s. He later followed Pawar when the latter formed NCP. ''I wish my mother were there when you visited ...

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Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena writes to EC over symbol and name, alleges bias

Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena on Thursday alleged bias by the Election Commission in the allocation of party symbols and name as it battles for control of the organisation with the group led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. "..several communications and the actions of the Hon'ble Commission have given rise to a serious apprehension of bias in the mind of the Respondent," the Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena said in a letter to the Election Commission through its lawyer Vivek Singh. Last week, the Commission had barred the rival factions of the Shiv Sena from using the party name and the 'bow and arrow' symbol, pending the settlement of the dispute over the "real Shiv Sena". Earlier this week, the Commission had allotted 'Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray' as the name and 'flaming torch' as the election symbol for the Thackeray faction. The Shinde faction got the name 'Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena' and 'two swords and a shield' as the election symbol. Singh, th

'Mashaal' will reach every home, says Aaditya Thackeray on new poll symbol

Former Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray has said that the new symbol of a 'Mashaal' given to their group by the Election Commission for next month's bypoll will be taken to every home

Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde factions re-christened by EC

The Election Commission on Monday allotted new names and symbol to the two factions of the erstwhile Shiv Sena

Sena factions get new names; 'flaming torch' poll symbol for Uddhav faction

The Uddhav Thackeray group on Monday expressed satisfaction over the Election Commission allotting 'Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray' as the name for the faction. The Commission also okayed 'flaming torch' (mashaal) as election symbol to the Uddhav Thackeray faction. We are happy that the three names that matter to us most Uddhav ji, Balasaheb and Thackeray - are retained in the new name, Thackeray loyalist and former Maharashtra minister Bhaskar Jadhav said. The Election Commission denied Trishul and Gada (mace) as poll symbols to rival Shiv Sena factions, citing religious connotations. The Commission allotted 'Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena' as party name for the Eknath Shinde faction; and asked it to select a fresh symbol. The Election Commission on Saturday froze the Shiv Sena's bow and arrow symbol amid a tussle between the factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. The poll body had also asked the two factions to choose from among the symbols that are available an

New poll symbol may bring big revolution for Uddhav-led Sena: Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, an accused in a money laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate, on Monday said a new election symbol for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction could bring a "big revolution" in the coming days. Raut was produced in the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court as his judicial custody expired on Monday. His bail application is being heard by special judge M G Deshpande. Family members and supporters of Raut were present on the court premises when he was brought there. They greeted him and interacted with him before the proceedings of the court. Responding to a question about the Election Commission's interim order freezing the "bow and arrow" symbol of Shiv Sena and barring the factions led by Thackeray and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde from using the party name, Raut said, "the new symbol for Shiv Sena (Thackeray camp) could bring a big revolution for the party". This is not the first time when a party faced such a situation wher

Uddhav moves Delhi HC against EC order freezing Shiv Sena name, poll symbol

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction Monday approached the Delhi High Court seeking quashing of the order of Election Commission of India (ECI) freezing the party name and election symbol. The petition, filed by Thackeray, has challenged ECI's October 8 order, contending it was passed in complete violation of principles of natural justice and without granting any hearing to the parties. The petition has arrayed ECI and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknathrao Sambhaji Shinde as parties.

Thackeray, Shinde factions of Shiv Sena submit symbols, names to EC

The Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde factions of the Shiv Sena have formally submitted to the Election Commission their choice of three symbols and names each after the party's 'bow and arrow' symbol was frozen by the poll panel. Sources in the poll panel confirmed that the alternative symbols and names have been submitted by both factions. The EC will now examine them to ensure that the symbols sought by them are not similar and not being used by any other party. Also, the symbols submitted should not be already frozen. Asked if the EC can allocate the submitted symbol even if it is not from the list of 'free symbols' available with the EC but fulfils the other conditions, a former EC functionary replied in the affirmative. "The allocation of a symbol is the prerogative of the Commission. In such cases, it may allocate the symbol which is not in the list of free symbols available with the state chief electoral officer," the former functionary explained. On Saturday, the EC had

40-headed Ravana seized 'bow and arrow' of Lord Ram: Uddhav Thackeray

A day after EC froze the 'Bow and Arrow' symbol of Shiv Sena barring both the rival factions in the party from using it in upcoming Andheri East Assembly bypolls, Thackeray lambasted rival Shinde camp

Uddhav-led Shiv Sena suggests three poll symbols after EC order

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction has submitted to the Election Commission its three options of a trident, rising sun or mashaal (burning torch) for its poll symbol, sources said on Sunday. The Election Commission had on Saturday barred the Shiv Sena factions led by former chief minister Thackeray and present Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde from using the party name and its election symbol 'bow & arrow' in the Andheri East Assembly bypoll scheduled on November 3. In an interim order over claims by the rival factions for control of the organisation, the commission asked them to suggest by Monday three different name choices and also as many free symbols for allocation to their respective groups. A source from the Thackeray faction said, The Sena has submitted three options as an alternative before the Election Commission - a trident, rising sun or a burning torch, also known as mashaal in Marathi and Hindi languages." The Thackeray camp has also given some options for its ...

Tussle over 'real' Shiv Sena: Fadnavis says Shinde camp will succeed

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will "succeed" when the Election Commission of India takes a final decision on proprietary over the party name and election symbol. Speaking to reporters here, Fadnavis said he was not surprised at the Election Commission's interim decision on Saturday barring the Shiv Sena factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde from using the party name and its election symbol 'bow and arrow' in the bypoll to Andheri East Assembly seat in Mumbai scheduled on November 3. The ECI has taken the decision as per its laid down procedure, the senior BJP leader said. "I think when the ECI takes the final decision on the claims made by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray on proprietary over the Shiv Sena name and symbol, CM Shinde will succeed," he added. Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar said, "We have the majority as maximum MLAs and MPs are with the c

EC's Sena order doesn't mean Thackeray faction weak or demoralised: NCP

The Nationalist Congress Party on Sunday said the Election Commission's order on the use of the Shiv Sena party name and election symbol in an upcoming Assembly bypoll was surprising, but it did not mean the Uddhav Thackeray-led group was weak or demoralised. The Election Commission on Saturday barred the Shiv Sena factions led by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and current Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde from using the party name and its election symbol in the Andheri East Assembly bypoll. In an interim order over the claims by the rival factions for control of the organisation, the commission asked them to suggest by Monday three different name choices and also as many free symbols for allocation to their respective groups. The bypoll to Andheri East Assembly seat in suburban Mumbai, scheduled on November 3, has been necessitated due to the death of incumbent Sena MLA Ramesh Latke. The Congress and the NCP have decided to support Ramesh Latke's wife Rujuta Latke, the candidat

'Freezing democracy': Kapil Sibal slams EC over Sena symbol freeze

A day after the EC froze the symbol of Shiv Sena amid a tussle between the two factions of the party, Kapil Sibal slammed the move, saying that it amounts to "freezing democracy"

Thackeray faction calls EC order on Shiv Sena symbol and name 'injustice'

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena on Saturday termed the Election Commission's order barring both the Thackeray and Eknath Shinde factions from using the party name and election symbol in the coming Andheri East Assembly bypoll as "injustice". The group led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on the other hand, termed the EC order appropriate. The poll body should have holistically taken a decision rather than passing an interim decision for the bypoll, said Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council, a Thackeray loyalist. "This is injustice," he told PTI. Shiv Sena leader and former minister Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday lashed out at the rebel Sena leaders after the EC order. "Khokewale" traitors committed this shameless and vile act of freezing the name Shiv Sena and symbol", he tweeted, adding that the people of Maharashtra would not tolerate it. "We will fight and win. We are on the side of the truth. Satyamev Jayate!" he said in the

Uddhav Thackeray faction calls EC order on party symbol 'injustice'

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena on Saturday termed the Election Commission's order barring the rival factions of the party from using the party name and election symbol in the Andheri East assembly bypoll as "injustice." The poll body should have taken a decision in a holistic manner rather than passing an interim decision for the bypoll, said Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council who owes allegiance to the Thackeray group. This is injustice, he told PTI. As per the EC's interim order, both the Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde factions would not be able to use the party name and election symbol in the bypoll in Mumbai on November 3. The commission asked them to suggest by Monday three name choices for their groups, and also as many free symbols. The Commission can allocate the name and the symbol to both factions from the options submitted.

Fadnavis slams Rahul on Savarkar remark; asks whether Uddhav backs it

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on freedom fighter V D Savarkar and asked whether Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray supports such a statement. Talking to reporters, Fadnavis said Rahul Gandhi didn't know the history of India and the Congress. In a media interaction on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi said Savarkar used to get a stipend from the British and these are historical facts. Rahul Gandhi has again insulted Swatyantraveer Savarkarhe has been constantly saying that he was an agent and took the money. I condemn his statement," Fadnavis said. He said the Congress has often insulted Savarkar because he had the backing of a large number of people. "After Independence, Congress has purposely insulted Savarkar several times, the BJP leader alleged. Latching on to Rahul's remarks, Fadnavis asked whether Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray would condemn his statement. The Congress and the Shiv Sena are partner

EC bars Thackeray, Shinde camps from using Shiv Sena name, party symbol

The Election Commission on Saturday barred the Shiv Sena factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde from using the party name and its election symbol in the Andheri East assembly bypoll. In an interim order over the claims by the rival factions for control of the organisation, the commission asked them to suggest by Monday three different name choices and also as many free symbols for allocation to their respective groups. The interim order came on Saturday on the Shinde faction's request seeking it be allocated the symbol as the Andheri East assembly bypoll is approaching. "The Commission is duty bound to ensure that all electoral steps of the bye election are free of any confusion and contradiction and thus its next step are necessarily agnostic to the possibility of either of the faction participating in the poll, the interim order said. The rival factions had approached the Commission after the split in the Shiv Sena ranks in June, claiming to be the 'real Shiv Sena'.

Uddhav faction to start 'Mahaprabodhan Yatra' from Shinde stronghold Thane

The Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena will begin its mass outreach programme titled 'Mahaprabodhan Yatra' on Sunday from Thane, the stronghold of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose rebellion brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in June. The programme comprises a series of rallies across the state to garner support of the people and highlight their issues and also boost the spirit of workers, Sena leader Chintamani Kharkhanis told reporters on Saturday. Incidentally, the posters of the yatra, with the slogan 'Aapla Maharashtra, Mahaan Maharashtra' will have images of both party founder late Bal Thackeray and Thane strongman later Anand Dighe, just like the publicity material used by the Shinde camp. The yatra is beginning from Thane as it is the cradle of the "betrayal and revolt" in the party, local Lok Sabha MP Rajan Vichare told reporters, a reference to Shinde walking away with a majority of MLAs to bring down the Uddhav Thackeray government on June

EC asks Thackeray to respond to Shinde faction's claim on Sena poll symbol

The Election Commission has asked the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena to respond by Saturday on rival Eknath Shinde group's claim on the party's 'bow and arrow' election symbol in view of the upcoming assembly bypoll in the state. The Commission's directive came on Friday after the Shinde faction submitted a memorandum seeking it be allocated the symbol as the Andheri East assembly bypoll is approaching. In a letter to Thackeray, the Commission directed it to furnish comments along with requisite documents latest by 2 pm on October 8. "In case no reply is received, the Commission will take appropriate action in the matter accordingly," the Commission said. The Commission told Thackeray the Shinde faction had staked claim to the bow and arrow' on October 4. The Andheri East bypoll was notified on Friday. Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai, who belongs to the Thackeray faction, said the party would respond to the Commission within the stipulated time. Desai met Commission offici