Maharashtra: CM Devendra Fadnavis meets Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena UBT leaders, political temperature rises

Mumbai. The political temperature has risen in Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders in separate meetings on Monday. The first meeting took place at Raj Thackeray’s residence ‘Shivtirth’ in Dadar, which was the first conversation between the two leaders after the assembly elections. Interestingly, Raj Thackeray had recently launched a scathing attack on the BJP, questioning the election process.

Sanjay Raut took a dig at the meeting
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut took a dig at the meeting and said, ‘A new cafe has been opened in Dadar where everyone comes to drink coffee.’ MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande hit back, asking if Sanjay Raut visits Sharad Pawar to clean his bungalow.

Later in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including senior leader Subhash Desai, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Ambadas Danve and MLC Milind Narvekar, met CM Fadnavis at his official residence, Sagar Bungalow. The meeting was aimed at discussing the technicalities of the memorial of late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray in Dadar, which is nearing completion.

Meetings fuelled speculation
The meetings have fuelled speculation amid reports of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s displeasure with the ruling coalition over several issues. Shinde had recently skipped important meetings and events and left for his native village in Satara district, fuelling talks of discontent.

‘Meetings between political opponents part of Maharashtra’s culture’
However, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) cabinet minister Pratap Sarnaik clarified that meetings between political opponents despite ideological differences are part of Maharashtra’s culture. CM Devendra Fadnavis also said that his meeting with Raj Thackeray was a friendly one, which did not involve any political discussion.

There are rumours that the BJP may offer a governor-appointed Legislative Council seat to the MNS from its quota, potentially paving the way for a BJP-MNS strategic alliance in the upcoming elections.