Election Commission allots new name, 'flaming torch' as poll symbol to Uddhav-led faction of Shiv Sena

Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic

The Election Commission (EC) on Monday allotted 'flaming torch' (mashaal) as the election symbol to Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena, the PTI reported.

The Uddhav-led Shiv Sena faction had reportedly submitted to the EC its three options of a trident, rising sun or mashaal (burning torch) for its poll symbol, sources said on Sunday, as per the PTI.

Election Commission allotted 'Shiv Sena - Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray' as party name for Thackeray faction and allotted 'Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena' as party name for Eknath Shinde faction; commission asked it to select a fresh symbol. Election Commission denied Trishul and Gada (mace) as poll symbols to rival Shiv Sena factions, citing religious connotations, according to the PTI.

The EC had on Saturday barred the Shiv Sena factions led by former chief minister Thackeray and present Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde from using the party name and its election symbol 'bow & arrow' in the Andheri East Assembly bypoll scheduled on November 3.

Also Read: New symbol may bring big revolution for Uddhav-led Shiv Sena: Sanjay Raut

In an interim order over claims by the rival factions for control of the organisation, the EC had asked them to suggest by Monday three different name choices and also as many free symbols for allocation to their respective groups.

Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction on Monday moved the Delhi High Court seeking quashing of Election Commission's (EC) order on freezing party's name and election symbol, the PTI reported.