ECI allows Shiv Sena (UBT) to accept public contributions ahead of Maharashtra polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has permitted the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to accept public contributions, following a similar decision for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)-Sharad Pawar faction. Both parties are contesting ECI's decisions on their symbols and names in the Supreme Court. The ECI's authorization allows the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to accept contributions from individuals and companies (excluding government companies) under Sections 29B and 29C of the Representation of People Act, 1951. This exemption will remain until the Supreme Court resolves the ongoing symbol dispute with the Eknath Shinde faction.