Thackeray's Sena receives notice for theme song mentioning Goddess Bhavani
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notice to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena over the use of the word "Bhavani" in the party's newly released theme song. The song, launched last week, is aimed at promoting the party's new election symbol, a 'flaming torch.' The video shows late party founder Bal Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, his father, and other Shiv Sena workers participating in rallies with the slogan Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji heard in the background.
Shiv Sena leader responds to notice
In response to the ECI's notice, Uddhav stated, "The ECI has sent us a fatwa asking us to take the word Jai Bhawani out of our song. Under no circumstance will we take this word out." He further challenged the ECI, saying, "If the ECI wants to act against us then it should first act against PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah." He also questioned if the EC would have an answer if he accused them of disrespecting Maharashtra's deity.
Check out the theme song here
We'll continue using 'Jai Bhavani' and 'Jai Shivaji: Sena
"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded Hindavi Swaraj with the blessings of goddess Tulja Bhavani. We are not asking for votes in the name of the goddess or Hindu religion. This is an insult and will not be tolerated," he added. The Sena UBT chief said he will continue the use of the slogans Jai Bhavani and Jai Shivaji in his public meetings. Notably, since its inception, the Sena has used the term Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji as its political slogan.
