As of today, May 7, 2025, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has urgently requested the Supreme Court to expedite the hearing of its petition challenging the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recognition of the Eknath Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena and the allocation of the ‘bow and arrow’ election symbol to them. This plea comes ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra local body elections, which the Supreme Court has mandated to be notified within four weeks .

The dispute dates back to February 2023 when the ECI ruled in favor of Eknath Shinde’s faction, granting them the Shiv Sena name and symbol. In response, Uddhav Thackeray’s faction appealed to the Supreme Court, which has yet to deliver a final verdict . The Shiv Sena (UBT) argues that the ECI’s decision was flawed and seeks an urgent resolution to ensure fair participation in the forthcoming elections.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra State Election Commission to issue a notification for the local body elections within four weeks and to complete the process within four months. This decision aims to address the prolonged delays in conducting municipal and panchayat elections .

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has expressed readiness to face all situations arising from the elections, indicating the party’s preparedness for the upcoming political challenges .

Sources