02 September,2026 10:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde. File Pic
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Tuesday criticised the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) over its demand to freeze the party's âBow and Arrow' election symbol, accusing the rival faction of departing from the ideology and political legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Shinde's remarks came as the Supreme Court continued hearing matters related to the Shiv Sena and its election symbol.
Speaking to journalists after arriving in Delhi, Shinde said the dispute involved questions concerning the Constitution, the Shiv Sena's constitution and the powers of the Election Commission.
He said the arguments raised by the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction would be addressed when Shiv Sena's counsel began presenting its case before the court.
"The 'Bow and Arrow' symbol was dearer than life itself to Balasaheb Thackeray; he used to worship it in his personal shrine. In 2019, they froze Balasaheb's ideology, froze Hindutva, froze the mandate of the people of Maharashtra and even froze Balasaheb's party Constitution. Now, they are demanding that the 'Bow and Arrow' symbol be frozen. An attempt is being made to erase Balasaheb's ideology, his position on Hindutva and the party's policies," Shinde said.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's demand to freeze the symbol is part of the continuing legal and political dispute between the two Shiv Sena factions following the split in the party.
Shinde said the issues raised by the rival faction would be answered during the course of the arguments on behalf of his party.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said Shiv Sena state chiefs would meet in Delhi to discuss organisational matters.
While he did not provide further details of the proposed meeting, Shinde's visit to the national capital comes amid ongoing political and legal developments concerning the party.
The dispute over the Shiv Sena's name and election symbol has remained a major point of contention between the Shinde-led faction and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).
Shinde also commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's association with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, saying the Prime Minister had always held the Maratha ruler in high regard.
He referred to the incorporation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's âRajmudra' into the Indian Navy's ensign as an example of this.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding the removal of Prime Minister Modi's photograph from a government polytechnic in Pune, Shinde said even the Prime Minister would not appreciate being compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
He added that photographs of the President and the Prime Minister are displayed in government offices as part of established protocol.
On the issue of Maratha reservation, Shinde said the Mahayuti government remained committed to ensuring justice for the Maratha community without causing injustice to any other section of society.
He referred to measures undertaken during his tenure as Chief Minister, including the provision of 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community.
Shinde also highlighted the constitution of commissions to facilitate the issuance of Kunbi certificates and financial assistance measures through SARTHI and the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government remained open to taking whatever steps were legally permissible and fair.
Shinde appealed to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who is currently on hunger strike, to adopt what he described as a constructive approach.
The government, he said, was working to address the concerns of the Maratha community while remaining within legal and constitutional limits.
(With inputs from IANS)
