There’s a new election cool tool in Mumbai, and it’s coming from the party that has until now sworn by saffron flags and orange tilaks. It’s a slim rubber wristband, something like the Livestrong band launched to raise funds for cancer cure, and Sainiks from all age groups can been seen sporting it. It was developed by the Sena’s creative team, including the young scion Aditya Thackeray, executive president Uddhav Thackeray’s son. The band is available in only one colour: saffron.

Called the “Sena Band”, it comes with the party name, monogram of a bow and arrow and an inscription “Maharashtracha vijay majhya haatat (Maharashtra’s victory, in my hands)”. Party workers say wearing the band is akin to taking an oath to work for the Sena candidates in the forthcoming Assembly elections and to ensure the victory for the Sena-BJP alliance.

“While each party worker is loyal to the Sena, there may be certain regions where a few activists would be upset with the choice of the candidate. In such cases, the votes may get divided. Through these bands, we are making each activist take an oath that they will be loyal to the party,” said a senior leader.

Uddhav Thackeray introduced the band at a meeting of various group leaders in Goregaon a few days ago. The band has already become popular among the youth, especially in the Marathi pockets. Sources said more than 1.5 lakh bands have been sought by workers in Mumbai alone.