Devendra Fadnavis meets Sanjay Raut, enquires about his health; Raj Thackeray visits ailing MP's home after 2 decades

Devendra Fadnavis and Sanjay Raut. File Photos

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met ailing Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut at a wedding function of the latter's close relative in Mumbai and enquired about his health, reported news agency PTI.

The meeting took place on Tuesday at the wedding of bureaucrat Rajesh Narvekar's son. Raut's daughter is married to Narvekar's other son, reported PTI.

Sanjay Raut, a vocal spokesperson of the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray, has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.

The Rajya Sabha MP is a staunch critic of the BJP, the part to which Fadnavis belongs.

On Wednesday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray met Sanjay Raut at his residence in suburban Bhandup, reported PTI.

Sharing details about the meeting between Sanjay Raut and Thackeray, his brother and party MLA Sunil Raut said the MNS president had been continuously in touch with the family and seeking updates about his health, reported PTI.

Sunil Raut said Thackeray advised his ailing brother to take rest for a month and a half and only thereafter mingle with people.

Thackeray, with whom Sanjay Raut once shared very warm ties, was visiting his Bhandup residence after nearly two decades.

The MNS leader and Sanjay Raut were once party colleagues in the undivided Shiv Sena. Thackeray quit the Shiv Sena in 2005 and the following year founded his own party.

In November, Sanjay Raut was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mulund area of Mumbai.

The Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament announced that he will be taking a temporary break from public engagements due to health concerns.

In a post on X, Sanjay Raut had written, "Jai Maharashtra! You all have always believed in me and loved me, but now, suddenly, there have been some serious issues with my health. Treatment is underway, and I will come out of this soon. As per medical advice, I have been restricted from going out and being in crowds. It is unavoidable. I am sure I will recover well and come to see you in the new year. May your love and blessings remain."

Soon after his post, several political leaders, including PM Modi, extended their best wishes for his speedy recovery.

Sanjay Raut, a four-time MP, is known to be a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and also serves as the executive editor of Saamana, the party's mouthpiece.

(With inputs from PTI)