Mumbai: CM Devendra Fadnavis Visits Raj Thackeray’s Residence, Denies Political Discussion

Mumbai, 10th February 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai on Monday, fueling political speculation. However, Fadnavis later clarified that the meeting was purely personal and had no political significance.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Fadnavis explained that Thackeray had invited him over after he assumed office as Chief Minister. “After taking charge, Thackeray extended an invitation to visit his residence. I assured him that I would come, and today I fulfilled that promise,” Fadnavis stated. He reiterated that their discussion was informal and non-political, emphasizing, “It was a personal visit without any political agenda.”

Fadnavis’s visit to Thackeray’s residence near Shivaji Park in Dadar has drawn attention, particularly in light of the shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra. Just last month, Thackeray had criticized the ruling BJP, accusing it of contradictions in governance. He highlighted that while BJP leaders had initially vowed to take action against individuals implicated in a multi-crore scam, the same figures were later inducted into the state cabinet. Additionally, Thackeray had questioned the legitimacy of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory in the previous Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In response, the BJP dismissed Thackeray’s allegations, accusing him of misleading the public and asserting that the party had never engaged in political bargaining. Despite past disagreements, MNS extended its support to the BJP following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

However, the MNS suffered a major blow in the 2023 Maharashtra Assembly polls, failing to secure a single seat despite contesting independently.