Uddhav Thackeray Demands Freezing of ‘Bow and Arrow’ Symbol, Attacks Shinde Faction

September 8, 2026

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his faction, backing senior advocate Kapil Sibal’s argument in the Supreme Court seeking the freezing of the undivided Shiv Sena’s iconic ‘Bow and Arrow’ election symbol if a final decision on the party’s identity is delayed further.

Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said those who, according to him, “stole” the party, its name and symbol should not be allowed to use them to consolidate power.

Thackeray Questions Delay in Shiv Sena Symbol Case

Thackeray said the legal battle has continued for four years, during which two major elections, municipal elections and Zilla Parishad polls have taken place.

He argued that continued use of the symbol by the rival faction was affecting his party and said the alleged misuse of the symbol should be stopped.

Thackeray reiterated that the Shiv Sena (UBT) has the rightful claim to the party’s name and symbol. He also criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI), questioning its impartiality in dealing with the dispute.

Uddhav Takes Aim at Shinde Over ‘Frozen Mind’ Remark

Reacting to Eknath Shinde’s remark that freezing the Bow and Arrow symbol would amount to “freezing Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology”, Uddhav hit back sharply.

Thackeray said Shinde and his associates had “frozen minds” and accused them of lacking the moral right to speak about the party’s election symbol.

He also questioned the ECI over its scrutiny of his party’s constitution while alleging that the poll panel had overlooked other political entities. These allegations were part of his broader criticism of the Commission.

Uddhav Backs Curbs on Loud DJs During Festivals

Moving beyond the Shiv Sena dispute, Thackeray voiced support for restrictions on high-decibel DJ systems during festivals, including Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi.

He said people should be able to celebrate festivals without being subjected to excessive noise and suggested greater use of traditional Indian musical instruments.

Referring to Lokmanya Tilak’s role in turning festivals into mass movements during India’s freedom struggle, Thackeray said their public character should not turn into disruptive noise.

He called for dialogue between the administration and Ganeshotsav mandals and other stakeholders to establish reasonable time limits and noise guidelines.

Thackeray Questions Dahi Handi Dance Performances

Thackeray also took a swipe at proponents of “Neo-Hindutva” over controversial dance performances during Dahi Handi events. He questioned whether such performances were consistent with their stated values and called on them to clarify their position.

On the removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photographs by MNS activists at a college in Pune, Thackeray supported the move.

He said the Prime Minister’s photograph should not be placed alongside revered historical figures and other iconic personalities.