Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray at a press conference at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in Mumbai on February 17, 2023. Photo Credit: PTI
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday told his supporters that the party’s ‘bow and arrow’ symbol has been stolen and the thief needs to be taught a lesson. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde,
Mr Thackeray was addressing his supporters outside his Bandra residence ‘Matoshree’ here before presiding over a meeting of party leaders.
The Election Commission (EC) gave a big blow to Thackeray on Friday. The CM Shinde-led group was allotted the name ‘Shiv Sena’ and its election symbol ‘bow and arrow’, This is the first time that the Thackeray family has lost control of the party that was founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966 on the principles of justice for the sons of the soil.
“The bow and arrows have been stolen. The thief needs to be taught a lesson. He has been caught. I challenge the thief to the fray with the bow and arrows and we will fight it out with a flaming torch.” Thackeray said.
The flaming torch is the symbol allotted to the Thackeray-led faction by the Election Commission last year. The Election Commission on Friday ruled that the symbol would remain with the Thackeray camp till the Kasba Peth and Chinchwad bypolls in Pune district. By-elections will be held on these seats on February 26.
In a show of strength, a large number of Thackeray’s supporters gathered outside ‘Matoshree’ and raised slogans against Eknath Shinde and in support of Thackeray.
A party leader said Mr Thackeray asked his party leaders to visit the state and mobilize the cadre.