Shiv Sena Refuses to Remove ‘Hindu’ and ‘Bhavani’ from Party Song
Shiv Sena Refuses to Remove ‘Hindu’ and ‘Bhavani’ with the Election Commission’s directive to remove the words ‘Hindu’ and ‘Bhavani’ from the party’s new theme song for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The EC had issued a notice to the party, objecting to these references in the song. Thackeray has called the notice an insult to Maharashtra and has vowed not to remove the words from the song.
Shiv Sena Refuses to Remove ‘Hindu’ and ‘Bhavani’
The controversy arose when the state Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Dr Kiran Kulkarni, wrote to the Shiv Sena, raising objections to the use of the words ‘Hindu’ and ‘Bhavani’ in the party’s theme song. The EC asked the party to remove these references, citing concerns about the use of religious words and misleading claims in the song. However, Thackeray has staunchly defended the use of these words, stating that the party did not seek votes based on Hindu religion.
Thackeray has refused to remove the words ‘Jai Bhavani’ from the song, despite the EC’s directive. He has criticized the EC’s decision, likening it to a fatwa and accusing the commission of disrespecting the deity of Maharashtra. Thackeray has also demanded that the EC take action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for similar statements made by them in the past.
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Historical Significance of ‘Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji’
The phrase ‘Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji’ holds deep historical and cultural significance in Maharashtra. It has been a rallying cry for the Shiv Sena since its inception, symbolizing the party’s commitment to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the pride of Maharashtra.
Thackeray has challenged the EC’s decision, stating that if ‘Jai Bhavani’ is removed today, ‘Jai Shivaji’ could be targeted next. He has accused the EC of bias against Maharashtra and its deity, calling the notice an insult to the people of the state. Thackeray has vowed to fight the EC’s decision in court, refusing to accept what he terms as ‘dictatorship.’
The Shiv Sena’s refusal to remove ‘Hindu’ and ‘Bhavani’ from its party song has sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackeray’s defiance of the EC’s directive reflects the party’s commitment to its cultural and historical roots. The issue highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the need to maintain religious neutrality in election campaigns.
