The Election Commission of India has recognised Eknath Shinde group as official "Shiv Sena", and allowed them to use official "Bow & Arrow" symbol and "Shiv Sena" name.

Uddhav Thackeray camp has been allowed to use the name Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the symbol of "flaming torch" for the upcoming bye-elections in Maharashtra assembly.

The order has been passed unanimously by a coram of Rajiv Kumar (Chief Election Commissioner), Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel (Election Commissioners) in exercise of powers under Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1950.

A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is at present hearing the cases relating to the issues arising out of rift within the Shiv Sena party, which led to the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra in June 2022. Today, the Constitution Bench decided to hear the merits of the case from next Tuesday.  In September 2022, the Supreme Court had rejected a plea made by the Uddhav group to stop the ECI from deciding Eknath Shinde's application seeking official status.

Also Read - Shiv Sena Rift : Why Election Commission Allowed Eknath Shinde To Retain Official Name & Symbol? Read Reasons

Click here to read the order