Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has defied a notice from Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding removal of certain words from his party's anthem
Thackeray expressed that he refuses to comply with the notice, particularly objecting to the removal of the phrases "Jai Bhavani" and "Hindu" from the anthem, which he considers integral to Maharashtra's identity.
The Shiv Sena recently introduced a new anthem to promote its campaign symbol, the flaming torch, and the ECI's request to omit "Hindu" and "Jai Bhavani" from it has sparked controversy.
Thackeray highlighted the historical significance of these phrases, citing the foundation of Hindavi Swaraj, or self-rule, in Maharashtra, as well as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's link with the goddess Tulja Bhavani.
Asserting that his party does not seek votes in the name of religion, Thackeray deemed the ECI's directive as insulting and declared his intention to continue using "Jai Bhavani" and "Jai Shivaji" in his public speeches.
Thackeray raised concerns over perceived double standards by pointing out instances where political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, invoked religious sentiments during election campaigns without facing consequences.
Shiv Sena (UBT) sought clarification from the ECI regarding any changes in electoral laws that permit campaigning based on religious affiliations and said he would incorporate additional religious phrases like "Har Har Mahadev" if allowed.
Thackeray, during the press conference in Mumbai, also referenced past instances where his father, Balasaheb Thackeray, faced electoral consequences for promoting Hindutva
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