Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray urges EC to soon allot his faction 'name & symbol' for Andheri Bypoll

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray in a virtual dialogue with the party members and citizens of Maharashtra on Sunday said that his faction has given three names and symbols each to the Election Commission (EC) and requested it to allot a name and symbol for the Andheri bypoll.

"I believe in the judiciary. The question is what if they are wrong- who will be answerable to the people for this arrangement in the state? We have given three symbols – Trishul, Mashaal and Rising sun and three names Shiv Sena Balasaheb Thackeray, Shiv Sena Prabodhankar Thackeray and Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. I appeal to EC to soon give us a name and symbol," said Uddhav.

Uddhav declared that his faction will contest the upcoming Andheri East assembly by-poll slated for November 3 with full strength. "We want to contest elections and we will fight it with full strength. We will accept whatever is decided by the people. We have to win this war with a calm and firm mind and once we win – we won’t be challenged ever again," he said.

Commenting on EC’s ruling to temporarily freeze the name and symbol, Uddhav said, "It was unexpected for me. EC should not have taken the decision until the verdict on the disqualification of 16 MLAs was announced. I believe in law and faith in the judiciary. I am sure there will be justice."

Uddhav led a blistering attack on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for siding with “adversaries”. "These people who’ve sided with adversaries will see how once their use is over – they will be thrown in the side. My self-confidence is not shaken, something I’ve learnt from my elders. Congress never banned the Sena, but today those of whom you have sided with are out to finish, ban the Sena," he said. "I tell you, if you believe in Thackeray, don’t take his name. Sena is a tiger and not a cow – we will fight and win," he added.

Terming Shinde and 39 rebel legislators a ‘’Forty-headed Ravana’’ who froze the bow and arrow, Uddhav said, "I am disgusted with their attitude (Shinde camp). They have intruded into the heart of the mother. The Mahashakti (referring to BJP) behind them is happier because they are enjoying breaking the people of Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena that gave the courage to call itself a Hindu in this country got frozen. What is your relationship with Shiv Sena?" he asked.

Uddhav further recalled that the name Shiv Sena was suggested by his grandfather Prabodhankar Thackeray to his father Balasaheb Thackeray.

Uddhav asked the Sainiks to stay awake and alert and continue to keep faith in him. "If the time passes, no one will beat us," he said.