Victory of democracy and Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideals: Eknath Shinde

Shiv Sena will continue to work for the betterment of Maharashtra, says CM; Opposition slams EC decision, calls it ‘murder of democracy’

Minutes after the Election Commission (EC) recognised the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as the real Shiv Sena and allotted the ‘bow and arrow’ symbol to it, Mr. Shinde called it a “victory of democracy” and said they will continue to fight for issues of the common man.

He also termed the EC’s decision as a “victory of the ideologies of his mentors Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe, lakhs of Shiv Sainiks, MPs, MLAs, and other public representatives”.

“I thank the Election Commission. Majority counts in democracy. This country runs on the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar. We formed our government on the basis of that Constitution and keeping in mind thoughts of Balasaheb,” Mr. Shinde said, adding that the EC order came on the basis of merit.

“Ours is the true Shiv Sena,” the Chief Minister said.

Signalling his closeness to his mentor, the Chief Minister shared a photo in which he is seen kneeling beside Sena founder Bal Thackeray and said, “We feel that we have received the blessings of ‘Hindu Hriday Samrat’ Balasaheb Thackery and ‘Guruvarya’ Anand Dighe.”

He said all Shiv Sainiks should believe in them and join the fight to restore the lost self-respect and dignity. “Shiv Sena will continue to work for the betterment of Maharashtra. People of Maharashtra should trust us,” Mr. Shinde added.

Congratulating Mr. Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the former was fighting for Hindutva and is the true inheritor of Balasaheb’s ideals.