Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) For Uddhav, Balasahebanchi ShivSena For Shinde : Election Commission Approves Names

The ECI accepted Uddhav's group's second proposal and has allotted the name "Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)" instead. Regarding a new symbol for Uddhav's group, the ECI allotted the symbol of flaming torch after rejection of the first two choices.

The ECI also refuses to allot Shiv Sena (Balasaheb Thackeray) name to Shinde group as well. Instead, it approved the name "Balasahebanchi ShivSena" for Shinde group. The ECI also did not approve the choice of symbols "Trishul" and "Gadha" for Shinde group saying they have religious connotations. The symbol "Rising Sun" opted by both groups was also not allowed on the ground that it has already been allotted to DMK.

On October 8, the ECI had directed both Thackeray and Eknath Shinde groups to not use the claims of rival factions for the official the name Shiv Sena or symbol bow and recognition is finally decided. Uddhav challenged the order and also submitted fresh applications for allotment of party name and symbol.

Today, the first choice of "Trishul," was declined stating that it has religious connotations which is a violation of 10(B)(A)(iv) of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 and that the symbol is also Shinde group's first choice.

The second choice of a "Rising Sun" was refused on the ground it was a reserved symbol of the 'Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam' a recognized political party in the state of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Puducherry, as well as Shinde group's second preference.

While allotting the "flaming torch" symbol, the ECI said "It is not in the list of free symbols," and was earlier used by a party derecognized in 2004. However, it after a request made by Uddhav's group ECI decided to declare it as a free symbol and was allotting it.

Earlier today, Thackeray moved the Delhi High Court against ECI's decision to freeze Shiv Sena's bow and arrow party symbol. In the alternative, Thackeray sought a direction that ECI be asked to consider and allot the symbol proposed by him without restricting the choice of symbol from the list of free symbols.