“Accept it and take a new symbol”: Uddhav’s ally Sharad Pawar on ‘bow and arrow’ loss

On Friday, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Leader Sharad Pawar commented on the loss of his ally Uddhav Thackeray faction’s “bow and arrow” insignia, claiming that it will have no big impact.

He further stated that the new symbol would be accepted by the people. Pawar’s remarks came after Election Commission of India (ECI) declared that the party name “Shiv Sena” and the party emblem “Bow and Arrow” will be awarded to the Eknath Shinde faction.

Thackeray was advised by the NCP head to accept the Election Commission’s judgement and adopt a new emblem.

“It’s the decision of the Election Commission. Once a decision is given, there can be no discussion. Accept it and take a new symbol. It (the loss of the old symbol) is not going to have any major impact as people will accept (the new symbol). It just would remain in the discussion for the next 15-30 days, that’s it,” Pawar said.

He recalled the Congress having to change its symbol from two bullocks with a yoke to hand and said that the people would accept the new symbol of Uddhav Thackeray faction like the way they accepted the Congress’ new symbol.

“I remember Indira Gandhi also faced this situation. Congress used to have a ‘two bullocks with a yoke’ symbol. Later they lost it & adopted ‘hand’ as a new symbol & people accepted it. Similarly, people will accept the new symbol (of Uddhav Thackeray faction),” he said.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday assigned the party name “Shiv Sena” and the emblem “Bow and Arrow” to the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a huge loss for the Uddhav Thackery branch of Shiv Sena.

While the Shinde faction applauded the decision to acknowledge the Shiv Sena as the true Shiv Sena, the Uddhav Thackeray faction announced plans to petition the Supreme Court.

Earlier today, the Eknath Shinde side celebrated with crackers in Nashik following the Election Commission’s order.

The Uddhav Thackeray faction accused the Election Commission of haste and said the decision proves “it works as BJP agent”.