Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had reached Thane to attend a Navratri procession to welcome the idol of Goddess Durga in Tembi Naka.

Thapa, a trusted Man of the Sena patriarch had served him devotedly for 27 years before the Thackeray senior's death in November 2012.

Apart from Thapa, Moreshwar Raje, who used to attend phone calls at 'Matoshree' for Bal Thackeray, also joined the Shinde camp. 

Reportedly, Raje had spent at least 35 years at Thackeray's residence in Kalanagar.

CM Shinde, an MLA from Thane, welcomed Thapa and Raje to the fold by offering them shawls and greeting them.