MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday dismissed reports of a secret meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray.
While the rumours cast doubt on Eknath Shinde’s standing, Mr. Fadnavis clarified that he has no reason for clandestine discussions and maintained that any future meeting with Mr. Thackeray would be conducted openly.
An online report claimed that Mr. Thackeray met Mr. Fadnavis at the chief minister’s official residence ‘Varsha’ at midnight two days ago. Report about the alleged meeting was circulated by media platform Prabuddha Bharat, linked to Prakash Ambedkar, suggesting that the discussion was related to the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. The claims triggered widespread speculation across the state. It also cast a doubt over Mr. Shinde’s position in the Mahayuti alliance.
Calling it a fake news, Mr. Fadnavis said, “If Uddhav Thackeray wants to meet me, or if a meeting between us were to take place, there is no need for it to be done in secret. We can meet directly. There are no issues between us now that need to be hidden. No such meeting has taken place. Some people are deliberately spreading false news. Legal notices will be issued to those “liar handles” spreading such misinformation.”
When asked about it, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut avoided speaking directly on the matter. He stated that only the leaders concerned can speak clearly on such sensitive subjects. Furthermore, he added more suspense by saying, “Even if I have some information, there is no need to disclose it at this time; many more things are yet to happen in politics. Several major developments are set to take place in politics in the near future.”.