Mumbai, Jan 24 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut ignited a new political controversy on Saturday, claiming that the judicial decisions concerning the contested party symbols - the ‘Bow and Arrow’ and the ‘Clock’ - seem to be “pre-determined.”

Raut’s statements came after a photograph surfaced, showing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcoming Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during his visit to Maharashtra. This visit is particularly sensitive, as the Supreme Court recently delayed the hearing on the disqualification and symbol disputes involving the Shiv Sena and the NCP for an additional four weeks.

Expressing his discontent via social media and to news outlets, Raut cited the well-known movie phrase “Tarikh pe Tarikh” (date after date) to illustrate the prolonged court proceedings. He highlighted that while ordinary citizens often wait years for justice, the repeated delays in these significant political cases, coupled with interactions between the judiciary and the executive, raise serious concerns.

“The Bow, Arrow, and Clock have already been determined,” Raut remarked in a sarcastic tone, suggesting that the legal struggle is merely a formality. He further called upon “the Gods of Justice,” noting that the public is keenly observing how the democratic process is being managed. The backlash stems from a photo released by Eknath Shinde’s office, depicting the CM greeting CJI Surya Kant. Although such meetings are often labeled as protocol or courtesy visits, the Opposition argues that these interactions are inappropriate when the Chief Minister is a key player in a significant case currently before the CJI’s court.

Raut’s remarks reveal frustration within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regarding the legal delays. With local body elections on the horizon and the political atmosphere heating up, the symbols continue to symbolize legitimacy. By questioning the meeting, Raut aims to cultivate a public narrative suggesting that the current government may be seeking to sway judicial outcomes—a claim the Shinde-led government has consistently rejected, asserting that both the Election Commission and Courts function independently based on merit.

Raut’s comments are set against a backdrop of two significant splits in Maharashtra politics over the past three years. Eknath Shinde instigated a rebellion in June 2022 against Uddhav Thackeray, ultimately being recognized by the Election Commission as the “real” Shiv Sena and granted the party’s iconic “Bow and Arrow” symbol.

Subsequently, Ajit Pawar separated from his uncle Sharad Pawar and joined the Mahayuti government in July 2023. The EC then acknowledged Ajit Pawar’s faction as the “real” NCP and awarded him the “Clock” symbol. Both cases are currently being contested in the Supreme Court. The factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar argue that these decisions were influenced by the ruling BJP and are seeking a conclusive judicial ruling.