Mumbai, April 25 (). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday refuted reports which claimed that a secret meeting was held between him and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his official residence ‘Varsha’ bungalow at midnight.
This clarification comes amid rising political tension ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The speculation started when social media handle ‘Prabuddha Bharat’ claimed in a post that Thackeray had visited the Chief Minister’s residence late at night.
It was suggested in the post that the main objective of the meeting was to ensure unopposed Legislative Council elections to prevent ‘bargaining’.
Chief Minister Fadnavis clarified that no such meeting took place and stressed that there was no need for any secrecy between the two leaders.
He said that if he and Uddhav Thackeray meet, there will be no need to do it secretly and they can meet openly.
He further said that currently there is no issue between them that needs to be hidden from the public.
The Chief Minister strongly criticized the channels spreading this news, calling them ‘liars’ and said that legal notices would be issued to those who deliberately spread misinformation.
Earlier, when asked about the meeting between Chief Minister Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut gave an evasive answer.
He said that only those two leaders can confirm whether there was a meeting between Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Fadnavis or not.
This political stir has started after the announcement of elections to be held on May 12 for nine seats of Maharashtra Legislative Council.
Uddhav Thackeray’s current term ends on May 13, but Maha Vikas Aghadi allies are publicly urging him to contest the elections again.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) leader and MP Supriya Sule recently formally requested Thackeray’s candidature on social media.
He said that the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) strongly requests former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to contest the Legislative Council elections. He further said that Thackeray is a senior and experienced leader, whose presence will be beneficial for both the House and the state. He expressed hope that Thackeray would consider this request positively.
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