Sanjay Raut Alleges Bias, Says Amit Shah Influencing EC in Shiv Sena Dispute

By A Staff Reporter

Mumbai: As the Supreme Court took up the petition filed by Uddhav Thackeray challenging the allocation of the ‘Shiv Sena’ name and symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging political interference and lack of independence.

Speaking to the media, Raut said, “The Election Commission is no more independent. (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah runs the Election Commission. What justice can we expect from them?” He further accused Shah of orchestrating efforts to dismantle the Shiv Sena and undermine Maharashtra’s political fabric. “Amit Shah wants to end Shiv Sena and Maharashtra,” Raut claimed.

The controversy stems from the Election Commission's earlier decision to recognise the Shinde-led faction as the official Shiv Sena, granting it the party name and traditional ‘bow and arrow’ symbol. The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has maintained that the move was politically motivated and has approached the Supreme Court seeking a reversal.

“We earlier approached the Supreme Court and are approaching again to seek justice,” Raut added, reaffirming the UBT faction’s intention to contest the decision through legal channels.