Eknath Shinde slams Uddhav Thackeray faction over demand to freeze Shiv Sena’s Bow and Arrow

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Tuesday criticised the Uddhav Thackerayled Shiv Sena UBT over its demand to freeze the partys lsquoBow and Arrowrsquo election symbol accusing the rival faction of departing from the ideology and political legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal ThackerayShindes remarks came as the Supreme Court continued hearing matters related to the Shiv Sena and its election symbolSpeaking to journalists after arriving in Delhi Shinde said the dispute involved questions concerning the Constitution the Shiv Senas constitution and the powers of the Election CommissionHe said the arguments raised by the Uddhav Thackerayled faction would be addressed when Shiv Senas counsel began presenting its case before the courtShinde says lsquoBow and Arrowrsquo was central to Bal Thackerays legacyThe 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 Balasahebs ideology froze Hindutva froze the mandate of the people of Maharashtra and even froze Balasahebs party Constitution Now they are demanding that the Bow and Arrow symbol be frozen An attempt is being made to erase Balasahebs ideology his position on Hindutva and the partys policies Shinde saidThe Uddhav Thackerayled factions 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 partyShinde said the issues raised by the rival faction would be answered during the course of the arguments on behalf of his partyShiv Sena leaders to discuss organisational matters in DelhiThe Deputy Chief Minister also said Shiv Sena state chiefs would meet in Delhi to discuss organisational mattersWhile he did not provide further details of the proposed meeting Shindes visit to the national capital comes amid ongoing political and legal developments concerning the partyThe dispute over the Shiv Senas name and election symbol has remained a major point of contention between the Shindeled faction and the Uddhav Thackerayled Shiv Sena UBTShinde cites Navy ensign while discussing Shivaji Maharaj rowShinde also commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modis association with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj saying the Prime Minister had always held the Maratha ruler in high regardHe referred to the incorporation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs lsquoRajmudrarsquo into the Indian Navys ensign as an example of thisCommenting on the controversy surrounding the removal of Prime Minister Modis photograph from a government polytechnic in Pune Shinde said even the Prime Minister would not appreciate being compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji MaharajHe added that photographs of the President and the Prime Minister are displayed in government offices as part of established protocolDeputy CM reiterates governments position on Maratha reservationOn 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 societyHe referred to measures undertaken during his tenure as Chief Minister including the provision of 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha communityShinde 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 CorporationThe Deputy Chief Minister said the government remained open to taking whatever steps were legally permissible and fairShinde appeals to Manoj Jarange to adopt constructive approachShinde appealed to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil who is currently on hunger strike to adopt what he described as a constructive approachThe government he said was working to address the concerns of the Maratha community while remaining within legal and constitutional limitsWith inputs from IANS