A fresh round of legal arguments unfolded in the nation's top court concerning the ongoing ownership dispute over the Shiv Sena party name and its official bow and arrow election symbol. Following the conclusion of the court proceedings, Shiv Sena UBT leader Arvind Sawant addressed reporters outside the premises, asserting that if their faction is not granted the bow and arrow symbol, the symbol should instead be frozen or seized. This demand drew an immediate and stern response from Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai, who strongly criticized the UBT faction's stance.
Respect for Balasaheb Thackeray's Ideology and Symbol
Reacting sharply to Arvind Sawant's remarks, Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai stated that Shiv Sainiks across Maharashtra and the entire country are stunned by such a statement. Desai emphasized that the bow and arrow symbol holds deep spiritual and political significance, noting that Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray worshipped it like a deity at his personal altar. He contended that by demanding to freeze the election symbol, Sawant has indirectly advocated for freezing the foundational ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray as well as the broader principles of Hindutva.
Legal Arguments Before the Bench and Future Strategy
During the courtroom debate, senior advocate Kapil Sibal presented arguments before the bench claiming that Uddhav Thackeray remains the organizational head of both Shiv Sena factions. Addressing this contention, Shambhuraj Desai clarified that he had not personally heard the statement. He added that if such arguments were raised during the day's proceedings, their legal team at the Supreme Court would brief party leaders accordingly. Desai expressed complete confidence that their advocates will present the party's official position effectively when their turn arrives before the judges.
Trust in the Constitution and Election Commission Verdict
Responding to Aditya Thackeray's allegations that legal recognition cannot be established by stealing a symbol, Shambhuraj Desai reiterated that his faction functions with unwavering faith in the Indian Constitution. He stressed that the Election Commission executed its statutory duties by formally awarding the party name and bow and arrow symbol to them. The legal conflict over the election symbol and party identity has persisted ever since the division within Shiv Sena. The Election Commission had earlier recognized one faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena and allocated the symbol and name, a decision subsequently challenged by the UBT faction in the Supreme Court.
