Supreme Showdown: Battle for Shiv Sena Symbol

The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction against the Maharashtra Assembly speaker's decision to allocate the party symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction. Set for November 12, this controversy has significant implications ahead of the local elections in January 2024.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on November 12 for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena's plea against the Maharashtra Assembly speaker's decision to grant the 'bow and arrow' symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction.

Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi will oversee the proceedings as the Thackeray faction argues that the speaker's decision conflicts with a previous Constitution bench verdict. The decision comes with urgency due to upcoming local body elections in January next year.

This ongoing political drama has intensified as the Thackeray faction contests the speaker's decision, challenging it as unlawful and rewarding defectors within the party. The ramifications are profound, potentially altering the political landscape ahead of upcoming national and state elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)