'Entirely Compromised Institution...': Uddhav Sena Leader On EC As Poll Symbol Goes To Shinde Faction

Priyanka Chaturvedi hit out at the Election Commission for its decision on the Shiv Sena party symbol alleging that the BJP has already made central agencies its "election toolkits".

New Delhi: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its order giving the party name "Shiv Sena" and the party symbol "Bow and Arrow" to the Eknath Shinde faction.

"It's surprising to see independent agencies like EC, which was set up to protect democracy and legislation, stooping so low and taking sides of those who’ve betrayed a political party. ECI is 'Entirely Compromised Institution of India'," news agency ANI quoted her as saying.

"BJP has already made EC, ED, and CBI their election toolkits and now their next aim is the judiciary. Law Minister and Rajya Sabha chairman keep challenging the judiciary. So it is Supreme Court’s responsibility to protect democracy," the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP added.

In its order, the ECI observed that the current constitution of the Shiv Sena party is undemocratic and has been "mutilated to undemocratically appoint people from a coterie as office bearers without any election at all". It stated that such party structures fail to inspire confidence.

While the Shinde faction welcomed the order recognising it as the real Shiv Sena, the Uddhav Thackeray faction accused the Election Commission of haste and said the decision shows "it works as BJP agent". 

Uddhav Thackeray termed the poll panel's decision as "murder of democracy" and said he will approach the Supreme Court against the decision.

"They should first understand Balasaheb. They have come to know that 'Modi's face does not attract people in Maharashtra anymore so they have to put Balasaheb's mask on their face for their own benefit. I had said that ECI should not give a decision before the SC verdict. If the party's existence is decided based on the number of MLAs and MPs, any capitalist can purchase MLA, MP and become CM," Uddhav Thackeray said at a press conference, as quoted by ANI.

He said his faction has the support of the people, "We will surely go to the Supreme Court against this EC order. We are sure that the SC will set aside this order".