Downplaying the recent meeting between Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut asserted that the meeting between the two leaders should not lead to speculation that the Sena and the BJP are joining together in an alliance.
According to media reports, Raut, on Tuesday, said while their paths may be different, Thackeray and PM Modi still have strong personal bonds.
Thackeray had met PM Modi on June 8 and had discussed issues related to the Maratha reservation, pending GST compensation and the proposed Metro car shed in Kanjur in Mumbai.
Raut said the two leaders spoke for about 40 minutes, and added that the meeting should in a no way lead to speculations of a possible alliance. Noting that the two leaders share a personal bond, he said, "Politics can be separate but personal ties are strong," according to NDTV.
Meanwhile, Raut had met Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar separately on Monday. This was his second such meeting with the two leaders in the last three days. He spoke to the chief minister for nearly two hours before meeting Pawar.
When asked by reporters if he was carrying any message from the chief minister to Pawar, Raut said, "Why would I tell you if there was any message. I will convey it to Pawar saheb".
