Raut's remarks came after the Commission asked the rival factions of the Shiv Sena, led by Thackeray and Eknath Shinde, to submit documents in support of their claim on the election symbol of the party which split last month. ?

“It is unfortunate that a party founded by Balasaheb Thackeray 56 years ago has been asked to submit documents to prove popular support. "The 11 crore people of Maharashtra are proof of Shiv Sena's popular support. Breaking away 10-12 people by offering them bribes is no proof,” Rault told reporters in Mumbai. ?

Raut alleged that the rebels have become a tool in the hands of people sitting in Delhi, who are trying to "destroy" Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena.?“The people of Maharashtra will give you a befitting response,” the Rajya Sabha member said, adding that Aditya Thackeray has been receiving massive support from the people during his ongoing state-wide tour. ?

“Those who have backstabbed Shiv Sena,??those who have hurt the dignity of Maharashtra, will not be forgiven by the people of state. "Shiv Sena lives in the heart of every person of Maharashtra. It gives strength to every hand in Maharashtra. What more proof is required,” Raut asked.?

Earlier, the Election Commission asked the rival factions of the Shiv Sena to submit documents by August 8 in support of their claims on the election symbol of the political outfit.?Election Commission sources said the two sides have been asked to submit documents, including letters of support from the legislative and organisational wings of the party and the written statements of the rival factions.????

They said the requirements were made in line with the Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.?

(With PTI Inputs)