Samata Party delegation meets Shinde for help to retrieve 'flaming torch' symbol from UBT faction
Thane (PTI): A delegation of Samata Party from Bihar met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde here and sought his help in getting back its 'mashaal' (flaming torch) election symbol that has been allotted to the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray.
The delegation, led by the party president Uday Mandal, met Shinde at the latter's office in Thane on Tuesday evening.
This information was shared by Shinde's city-based office through a release.
The meeting comes days after the Election Commission (EC) recognised the Shinde-led faction as the real Shiv Sena, and allotted the 'bow and arrow' symbol to it. It also ruled that the 'flaming torch' symbol it had allotted to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena group last year, will remain with it till the conclusion of the Kasba Peth and Chinchwad Assembly bypolls in Pune district scheduled on February 26.
The delegation told Shinde that Samata Party was an old political outfit from Bihar and "mashaal" (flaming torch) was its election symbol. However after the change in power in Maharashtra, the EC allotted it to the Shiv Sena faction led by Thackeray, the release said.
The delegation also told Shinde that they would challenge the EC's decision in the Supreme Court to get back their symbol, it added.
The delegation sought CM Shinde's help in getting back the Samata Party's election symbol the way his faction got the 'bow and arrow' symbol.
The Samata Party - formed in 1994 by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the late leader George Fernandes - had earlier both complained to the EC against the allotment of the symbol of Thackeray's party in October last year and moved the Delhi High Court against it, but the high court had dismissed the case claiming it had no right over deciding party symbols.
The Samata Party had been derecognised by the EC in 2004.
While allotting the flaming torch symbol to the Thackeray faction last year, the EC had said the symbol was not in the list of free symbols and was an "erstwhile reserved symbol" of the now derecognised Samata Party but it has decided to allot the same on a request to declare it a free symbol.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Thane MP Rajan Vichare has submitted a letter to city Police Commissioner Jai Jeet Singh, urging him to thwart any attempts by the Shinde group to usurp the Shiv Sena 'shakhas' (local party offices) in the city.
"Since the birth of Shiv Sena 56 years back, several Shakas have been set up in the city. The ownership of some of them are with the Sena (UBT) and some are private premises and in the custody of the party. The Shinde group grabbed some of the shakhas through force and some others are being grabbed using muscle power," he alleged.
In order to avoid a law and order situation, the police machinery should not encourage the Shinde group and give it a warning. If any law and order situation arises, it will be the sole responsibility of the Shinde group and the police, Vichare added in the letter.
On Tuesday, Maharashtra cabinet minister Deepak Kesarkar, who is the spokesperson of the Shinde faction, said his group was not interested in taking over the Shiv Sena Bhavan in Mumbai or any other property linked to the rival camp headed by Thackeray.
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Chiranjeevi enters Guinness World Records, recognised as most prolific star in Indian film industry
Hyderabad (PTI): Megastar K Chiranjeevi was on Sunday honoured by the Guinness World Records, which recognised him as the most prolific star in the Indian film industry in the actor/dancer category.
"The most prolific film star in Indian Film Industry-actor/dancer is Konidela Chiranjeevi aka Mega Star (India) achieved on 20 September 2024," said a certificate issued by the Guinness World Records, which was handed over to Chiranjeevi at an event here.
"This moment is unforgettable. I never sought recognition from the Guinness World Records, but it feels incredible to be honored for my dancing. It is dancing that truly made me a star and brought me so many rewards throughout my career," Chiranjeevi said after receiving the certificate.
"All these years of my film career, dance had become part of my life. I still remember dancing in front of legends like Savitri and my first dance steps on screen. I owe this recognition to the directors, producers, music directors, and choreographers who always made sure to showcase my dance performances in films," Chiranjeevi said thanking everyone for the honour.
"Mega star Chiranjeevi has performed 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years," sources close to the actor said.
"September 22 also happens to be the day when the mega star made his debut in the year 1978," they said.
Speaking on the occasion, Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Stenning praised Chiranjeevi’s extraordinary contribution, stating, "after thoroughly reviewing all 156 films and his dance performances, we found this achievement to be officially amazing."
Superstar Aamir Khan, who shared the dais with Chiranjeevi, said he is a huge fan of the star.
"I see him as my elder brother. I was so happy that Chiranjeevi garu is being given this honour and I was really thrilled to know that. If you notice him in any song of his, "his own heart" is in it, and he is enjoying himself," Khan said.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, and BRS Working President K T Rama Rao were among those who congratulated Chiranjeevi.
Revanth Reddy in a post on 'X' said, "It is a matter of pride for Telugu people that popular movie actor Konidela Chiranjeevi got a place in the Guinness Book of World Records."
In a post on 'X', Kishan Reddy said "Megastar for a reason! Congratulations to one of the most admired Indian film star Sri K Chiranjeevi Garu on being recognised as the Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Film Industry, Actor / Dancer. 24000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years - This is simply incredible! This is an iconic feat. Your legacy will be an inspiration for generations.@KChiruTweets".
Chandrababu Naidu in a post on 'X' said "I extend my heartiest congratulations to Mega Star and Padma Vibhushan awardee, @KChiruTweets Garu, on being recognised by The Guinness World Records as the Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Film Industry, Actor/ Dancer. He has made an unparalleled contribution to Telugu cinema with his grace and artistry. This recognition not only adds another feather to his cap, but it also elevates the pride of Telugu people all over the world."
Chiranjeevi is one of the top stars of the South cinema, having worked in over 150 feature films in Telugu as well as Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.
Some of his popular films include "Rudra Veena", "Indra", "Tagore", "Swayam Krushi", "Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy", "Stalin" and "Gang Leader".
He was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, along with Indian cinema icon Vyjayanthimala, in May this year.
He was previously honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2006.
