Flop show in Maharashtra elections could cost MNS its status, symbol

PUNE: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) could lose its regional party recognition and ‘railway engine' symbol after its flop show in the assembly election, experts said, citing the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968.

The Raj Thackeray-led party drew a blank in all the 125 seats it contested, including Mahim constituency from where his son, Amit Thackeray, made his electoral debut. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI) rules, state parties must meet at least one of the three criteria to retain recognition: win one seat with an 8% vote share, two with 6% votes, or three with 3% votes.

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Explaining the process, former Maharashtra legislature secretary Anant Kalse said, "ECI can revoke a party's recognition if none of these conditions are met. These are the rules stipulated under 6 (A) of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968 for regional parties."

MNS managed to get only 1.55% vote share without winning any seat in the Mahayuti-dominated election, so ECI may likely send a notice for de-recognition, experts said. "In such a scenario, MNS will have to choose from free symbols allocated to independents. However, the party will be given a chance for explanation," another political analyst said.

Sources from ECI said the norms are self-explanatory and once a party is de-recognised it will be declared registered-unrecognised.

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When contacted, state MNS secretary Ajay Shinde said the party is aware of the issue. "Our senior functionaries are consulting the legal team and the party will respond when ECI sends a notice."

Raj Thackeray 's party had debuted in 2009 assembly poll and emerged victorius in 13 seats. However, its performance declined subsequently, winning one constituency each in 2014 and 2019. And following the wipout in the Nov 20 poll, Raj Thackeray issued a brief statement on social media in which he described the results "unbelievable".

Analysts said the setback raises questions about the future of MNS.

MNS could try getting Amit Thackeray or Bala Nandgaonkar (who unsuccessfully contested from Sewri) into the legislative council to save its status and iconic symbol because the party supported BJP in many seats and also backed Mahayuti in Lok Sabha poll by not fielding any candidates, Chandrakant Bhubjal, a political analyst, said.

What the rules say

Symbols and recognition of parties come under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968. Under the rules a recognised political party shall be a national party or a state party. The conditions for a state party are spelled out under 6 (A).

A party can be recognised if it secures 6% of valid votes in a state election and wins either two seats in the legislative assembly or one seat in the Lok Sabha; wins either 3% of the seats or 3 seats in the assembly (whichever is more); or wins 8% of valid votes in the state if it does not win a seat. These conditions provide multiple pathways for a political party to gain recognition based on vote share and seat victories.