Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Election Commission Modifies Shiv Sena (UBT)’s ‘Mashaal’ Symbol

Mumbai: As Maharashtra gears up for its 2024 Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) made a crucial change in the political landscape by modifying the ‘Mashaal’ (flaming torch) symbol allotted to the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party, led by Uddhav Thackeray. This move comes as a step to ensure clarity and avoid confusion among voters, following criticism that the previous symbol resembled an ice-cream cone rather than a torch.

The Background of the Shiv Sena Split

The split between the Shiv Sena factions, led by Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray, has reshaped the political dynamics of Maharashtra. In June 2022, Eknath Shinde, in a major political coup, broke away from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government led by Uddhav Thackeray, ultimately leading to its collapse. The Supreme Court of India later recognized the Shinde faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena, granting it the party’s original name and its emblematic ‘bow and arrow’ symbol.

In contrast, Uddhav Thackeray’s faction was rebranded as Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and was initially given the ‘Mashaal’ symbol, which has now undergone modification for the upcoming elections.

History of Shiv Sena’s Election Symbols

Founded by the charismatic Bal Thackeray, Shiv Sena has a history of contesting elections under various symbols. In its early years, the party used symbols like the railway engine, a pair of palm trees, and swords and shields. It wasn’t until 1989, after sending four Members of Parliament to the Lok Sabha, that the Shiv Sena was awarded its iconic ‘bow and arrow’ symbol.

Interestingly, the ‘flaming torch’ symbol was not new to the party. It was successfully used during the 1985 elections, marking a significant milestone in the Shiv Sena’s political journey. However, after the split, the ECI designated the ‘Mashaal’ to Uddhav Thackeray’s faction while the Shinde-led group received a new emblem of two swords and shields, symbols that have historical significance for the Shiv Sena.

The Political Battlefield Ahead

The upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for November 20, 2024, are set to be highly competitive. The ruling alliance, or Mahayuti, is led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, in coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Ajit Pawar. Together, they are striving to retain power.

On the other side, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is gearing up for a strong contest. This coalition includes Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), and the Indian National Congress. The MVA aims to reclaim power by capitalizing on the discontent that arose after the Shinde faction’s defection.

The elections will be held in a single phase, and the results are set to be announced on November 23, 2024. As the current 14th term of the Maharashtra Assembly draws to a close on November 26, all eyes are on the high-stakes electoral battle that could define the future political landscape of Maharashtra.

With the Election Commission’s modification of the ‘Mashaal’ symbol, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to hit the campaign trail with renewed vigor. As Maharashtra heads to the polls, voters will be witnessing a historic contest between the two factions of the Shiv Sena, each striving to claim the legacy of Bal Thackeray.

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