Defiant Stand: Uddhav Thackeray Refuses Election Commission’s Directive on Party Great Anthem

Defiant Stand Uddhav Thackeray Refuses

Defiant-In a bold stance against the Election Commission of India (ECI), Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), declared on Sunday that he would not comply with the notice received from the ECI to remove the words “Jai Bhavani” and “Hindu” from his party’s latest anthem. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Thackeray asserted that the demand to eradicate “Jai Bhavani” from the anthem amounted to an insult to the essence of Maharashtra.

Defiant-The controversy erupted over the party’s new anthem aimed at promoting its new poll symbol, the “mashal” (flaming torch), with the ECI directing the removal of “Hindu” and “Jai Bhavani” from the composition.

Defiant-Thackeray passionately argued that the heritage of Maharashtra, symbolized by the revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was inseparable from the blessings of goddess Tulja Bhavani. He emphasized that while the party did not seek votes in the name of any deity or religious affiliation, the demand for alteration amounted to an affront that he could not tolerate.

Defiant-Undeterred by the ECI’s directive, Thackeray affirmed his commitment to continue invoking “Jai Bhavani” and “Jai Shivaji” in his public addresses, underlining the cultural and historical significance of these expressions in the ethos of Maharashtra.

Defiant-Thackeray raised a pertinent comparison, highlighting instances where prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leader Amit Shah, had made appeals invoking religious sentiments during election campaigns without facing similar scrutiny or censure. He questioned the ECI’s selective enforcement of electoral norms and demanded clarity on whether soliciting votes in the name of religion was permissible under the current legal framework.

Defiant-Expressing dissatisfaction with the ECI’s response to their inquiries, Thackeray disclosed that the party had sought clarification on whether the recent religious appeals made by PM Modi and Amit Shah constituted “corrupt practice” under the Representation of People Act. He underscored the historical context, recounting how his father, Balasaheb Thackeray, faced electoral repercussions for championing Hindutva causes during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Thackeray’s defiance encapsulates a broader narrative of political assertion and cultural identity, resonating with sentiments of regional pride and resistance against perceived injustices. The refusal to adhere to the ECI’s directive underscores a commitment to principles deemed essential to the party’s ethos and reflects a willingness to confront institutional authorities in defense of perceived affronts to cultural heritage and identity.

As the electoral landscape evolves, Thackeray’s steadfast stance serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between politics, religion, and cultural identity, highlighting the enduring significance of symbols and narratives in shaping electoral discourse and mobilizing public sentiment. In the face of institutional scrutiny, Thackeray’s unwavering resolve embodies a broader struggle for autonomy and recognition, emblematic of the ongoing quest for self-determination and cultural affirmation in the political arena.