After the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election results, political tensions within the MNS and the Shiv Sena. MNS chief Raj Thackeray was upset that candidates were announced without prior discussions, and the MNS faced losses in polls, while Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena also suffered. Ahead of the upcoming local body elections, the leaders of the BJP-led ruling Mahayuti alliance are now looking for closer ties with Raj Thackeray. Recently, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Raj Thackeray's residence in Mumbai, and today (February 22), Eknath Shinde faction minister Uday Samant also met with the MNS chief at his Shivtirtha residence. The visit has sparked considerable interest.
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After meeting Raj Thackeray, Uday Samant addressed the media. "This meeting was not related to politics in Maharashtra. I had come to Pune to thank Raj Thackeray for his participation in the World Marathi Conference. No political discussions took place during the meeting. If there are any political matters to discuss, it will be done by Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray. My visit today was simply to express my gratitude to him," he stated.
Samant said that Raj Thackeray is a well-known personality whose insights go beyond politics, adding value to any conversation. "This visit should not be viewed politically. It was a gesture of appreciation for Raj Thackeray's participation in the Vishwa Marathi Sammelan. Whether Eknath Shinde and Raj Thackeray will join forces is a separate issue, and I have never been involved in such discussions. If there are questions within my domain, I will answer them," he added.