Is the Name-Symbol Conflict in SC Ever Going to End? Priyanka Chaturvedi Critiques ECI
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Synopsis
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi criticizes the Election Commission of India for its handling of the party name and symbol dispute. With over two years of legal battles, she urges political parties to address electoral process flaws and demand accountability from the ECI.
Key Takeaways
- Political accountability is essential in the electoral process.
- Supreme Court delays can hinder justice and governance.
- The ECI's role in voter list management is under scrutiny.
- Public accessibility to electoral information is crucial.
- Political parties must address systemic flaws in the electoral system.
Mumbai, Aug 17 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi remarked on Sunday that political entities must concentrate on addressing the flaws in the electoral process and hold the Election Commission of India (ECI) accountable for its decisions and actions.
Chaturvedi noted that it has been over two years since the ECI designated the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena, expressing her worry regarding the prolonged delay in the Supreme Court's decision on this issue.
In a significant development in February 2023, the ECI granted the name 'Shiv Sena' and its emblematic election symbol (bow and arrow) to the Shinde-led group, marking a substantial setback for Uddhav Thackeray.
On social media platform X, Chaturvedi stated, "This ongoing battle in the Hon SC for the party symbol and name, granted by the ECI to those who fragmented the party, has stretched beyond 2.5 years. The party continues to fight this in the SC with no definitive end in sight for the verdict."
She further emphasized, "If the wheels of justice concerning constitutional propriety are moving so slowly, it is our duty as political parties to prioritize addressing the loopholes in the electoral system and hold the ECI responsible for its actions or lack thereof. This is said with utmost respect for the Hon. Supreme Court."
Her remarks come at a critical juncture as the ECI's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative in Bihar, ahead of the Assembly elections, has drawn substantial criticism from the opposition.
Numerous parties have accused the ruling NDA of colluding with the poll panel to manipulate the voter list.
The situation escalated after the Supreme Court issued an interim order on August 14, instructing the ECI to release a detailed, booth-wise list of nearly 65 lakh electors who were excluded from the draft electoral roll published on August 1 during the SIR process in Bihar.
Among the total of 7.89 crore registered voters in the state, the names of 65 lakh individuals were omitted from the draft rolls, despite their inclusion in a list published after a summary revision exercise just months prior, in January 2025.
The apex court has now mandated the ECI to make the list of excluded voters available along with explanations for their omission on the websites of the District Electoral Officers (DEOs) across Bihar.
Moreover, it directed that physical copies of the list be posted on notice boards at booth-level offices, as well as in block development and panchayat offices to ensure public accessibility.
Point of View
It is critical to recognize the implications of the ongoing legal battles surrounding the Shiv Sena identity. The drawn-out nature of the Supreme Court process not only affects the party in question but also raises concerns about the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process in India. With the Election Commission under scrutiny, it is vital for political parties to advocate for systematic reform to enhance transparency and trust in electoral governance.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ongoing dispute in the Supreme Court about?
The dispute revolves around the recognition of the Shiv Sena party name and symbol, which has been granted to the Eknath Shinde-led faction by the Election Commission of India.
How long has this legal battle been ongoing?
The legal battle has been ongoing for over two and a half years.
What did Priyanka Chaturvedi say regarding the ECI?
Chaturvedi criticized the ECI for its decisions and emphasized the need for political parties to address electoral process flaws.
What was the Supreme Court's recent directive regarding voter lists in Bihar?
The Supreme Court instructed the ECI to publish a detailed list of nearly 65 lakh excluded voters from the draft electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision process.
What are the implications of this controversy for voters?
The controversy raises concerns about the accessibility and reliability of the electoral process, highlighting the need for reforms in how voter lists are managed.
