Fadnavis’ ‘friendly’ meet with Raj Thackeray sparks speculation

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis meets MNS chief Thackeray in a friendly, non-political meeting amid recent tensions.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at the latter’s residence in Mumbai’s Dadar on Monday (February 10, 2025). The meeting was described as “friendly” and “personal”.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Fadnavis clarified that the discussion was not political in nature. “After becoming the Chief Minister, Thackeray called me and invited me to his residence. I told him that I would visit his place, and today I met him. It was a friendly meet. No political discussions took place,” he said.

The meeting comes amid recent political tensions between the two leaders. Last month, Mr.Thackeray had criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of failing to act against leaders involved in a multi-crore scam and inducting them into the State Cabinet instead. He had also raised questions about the outcome of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, in which the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a landslide victory.

The BJP, however, dismissed Mr. Thackeray’s allegations, stating that the MNS chief had presented incorrect information and asserted that his party did not engage in “politics of negotiation or adjustment”.

Notably, Mr. Thackeray had extended support to the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, his party contested the Assembly polls independently in November last year but failed to win a single seat.

Monday’s meeting has sparked speculation in political circles ahead of local body elections, though both leaders have said the visit had been a friendly one.