Will Take Legal Action Against EC Once in Power: Uddhav Thackeray

In a fiery statement that has sent shockwaves through political circles, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has vowed to take legal action against the Election Commission (EC) once his party returns to power. Thackeray’s remarks come amid an ongoing tussle with the EC over the allocation of the party name and symbol, which were awarded to the rival Eknath Shinde faction last year.

The Background: Shiv Sena’s Symbol Battle

The feud between Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde dates back to June 2022, when Shinde led a rebellion that toppled the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. The split left the Shiv Sena divided, with both factions claiming the party’s legacy.

In February 2023, the EC recognized the Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena, granting them the party’s bow-and-arrow symbol. Thackeray’s group was forced to adopt the name “Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)” and a new symbol—a flaming torch.

Thackeray has repeatedly alleged that the EC’s decision was politically motivated, accusing the poll body of favoring the BJP-backed Shinde camp. His latest legal threat emphasizes his demand for accountability.

Thackeray’s Allegations: EC’s Neutrality in Question

Speaking at a rally in Mumbai, Thackeray declared:

“The Election Commission has become a puppet in the hands of those in power. Once we return, we will take legal action against the EC for its biased decisions.”

His comments have sparked sharp reactions:
– BJP leaders dismissed them as “desperate rhetoric.”
– Opposition parties (Congress, AAP) have raised similar concerns about EC’s impartiality.

The EC maintains that its rulings are based on legal merit and party constitutions.

Legal & Political Fallout

Legal experts are divided on whether Thackeray’s challenge will succeed:
✅ Possible: EC decisions can be judicially reviewed.
❌ Unlikely: The EC’s authority is quasi-judicial, making challenges difficult.

Politically, Thackeray’s move appears aimed at:
– Galvanizing his base before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
– Portraying himself as a victim of institutional bias to rally anti-BJP sentiment.

However, his faction faces uncertain electoral prospects, especially after recent local poll losses.

What’s Next?

The EC has not yet responded, but sources indicate it will stand by its decision. The bigger question is:

Will such clashes between parties and constitutional bodies weaken public trust in democracy?

As India approaches a high-stakes election year, the Thackeray-EC conflict highlights the tension between political ambition and institutional independence.

One thing is certain: Uddhav Thackeray isn’t backing down.

— NextMinuteNews

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