Uddhav Thackeray

The plea filed by general secretary of Shiv Sena Subhash Desai submitted that the respondents purportedly have initiated proceedings under para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 (Symbols Order) interalia seeking to be recognised as the "real Shiv Sena" by the ECI, and are claiming the right to use the election symbol allotted to Shivsena -- "bow and arrow".

The expelled leaders are former state minister Ramdas Kadam and former Union minister Anandrao Adsul, who have been accused of indulging in anti-party activities as the ground for their expulsion. The move came amid intense speculation in Mumbai and New Delhi that a dozen Shiv Sena MPs are likely to join the group of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and could announce their decision soon.

Sena President Uddhav Thackeray made the formal announcement after a series of consultations with the party MPs, MLAs and other leaders including tribals. "There have been absolutely no pressures from the MPs, as claimed in the media. However, many Sena leaders and office-bearers from tribal communities have requested usa We have taken a decision to support Draupadi Murmu for the President's elections," Thackeray told mediapersons.

Referring to the recent catastrophe that has left the Shiv Sena emasculated after an internal revolt, Thackeray, who quit last month as CM, said the common masses "don't like these (political) games". "The people are asking the same questions - why they (the rebels) behaved like this even when the party gave them so many posts... did so much for them. So many women activists had tears in their eyes yesterday. I thank the masses from the bottom of my heart," said the Sena chief.

Referring to claims by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Group and media buzz to the effect, he made it clear that "nobody can steal anything that belongs to the Shiv Sena". Rejecting the contentions and claims, Thackeray said that he has already consulted top experts who have assured that the party's 'bow and arrow' symbol belongs to and will remain with the Shiv Sena.

Singhvi contended that the Speaker has no jurisdiction to recognise the whip nominated by Shinde as Thackeray is still the head of Shiv Sena political party. He said, "Speaker cannot recognise the whip...the party recognises the whip". He added that earlier Shinde group had challenged the Shiv Sena official whip Sunil Prabhu, but the court declined to pass any interim order.

The legislature has accorded recognition to the Sena rebel leader -- now Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, as the SSLP and the rebel group's nominee Bharat Gogawale as the Chief Whip. Following the rebellion in the Sena which erupted on June 20, the Sena had removed its then SSLP leader Shinde and replaced him with Ajay Chaudhary, besides naming Prabhu as the Chief Whip.

Slamming the statements of several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders claiming that a 'Shiv Sainik' (Shinde) had finally become the state Chief Minister, Thackeray termed them as "attempts being made to misguide the Shiv Sena workers". The Sena chief's statements assume significance amid claims by the Shinde Group of 40-MLAs that they are 'the real Shiv Sena' with the possibility of a tussle to control the 56-year-old party and its assets.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Goa were in jubilant mood to receive rebel MLAs of Shiv Sena in Goa. Tight police security was provided to these leaders by the state government after arriving at Dabolim airport in the coastal state from Guwahati. BJP leaders and supporters were present in large numbers at Taj Resort and Convention Centre in Panaji, where these MLAs have checked in for overnight stay.

The decision was taken in public interest to ensure a smooth functioning of all departments and not hinder the decision-making process in view of the absence of the five cabinet ministers and four ministers of state, according to Thackeray. The work of the departments belonging to the concerned rebel Ministers and Ministers of State has been handed over to the existing Ministers and Ministers of State, till further orders, said the CMO.