Closed-door meeting at Nandanvan: Raj Thackeray and Eknath Shinde fuel fresh political speculation

Deputy CM Eknath welcomes MNS chief Raj Thackeray with a shawl and bouquet at his house. PIC/EKNATH SHINDE`S OFFICE

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde at the latter's Nandanvan residence in Thane.

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According to information from Shinde's office, the two leaders held discussions on various issues. This is the first meeting between the duo after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Elections.

Shinde welcomed Thackeray with a shawl and bouquet. The two leaders were seen seated together, exchanging views in an informal setting at the bungalow.

Shinde's son and Kalyan Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Shrikant Shinde was also present during the meeting.

Thackeray reportedly admired the heritage architecture of the Nandanvan bungalow, including the rare and historic photographs preserved there. He shared memories associated with the building and commended Deputy CM Shinde for maintaining its historical and artistic value. Shinde informed Thackeray that the bungalow's heritage look had been carefully preserved, while the surrounding area was designed to match its style, reflecting the city's cultural and aesthetic heritage. An accomplished caricaturist and art enthusiast, Thackeray appreciated these efforts and praised the emphasis on art and heritage despite the demands of political life.

MNS had supported Shiv Sena in Kalyan-Dombivali, Nashik civic polls

The visit is likely to generate speculation, especially after the MNS extended its support to the Shinde-headed Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli and Nashik civic bodies to form the government.

In the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC), where the Shiv Sena emerged as the single-largest party, MNS's five corporators played a key role in helping the Shinde-led party cross the majority mark. Similar backing was also extended in Nashik, causing strains in the Shiv Shakti alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), which is being headed by Raj Thackeray's cousin Uddhav Thackeray. Some voices from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) camp had described MNS's support to the Shinde-headed party as sending "the wrong political message".