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Pawar calls on Bal Thackeray

Special Correspondent

Friends for 40 years, they have many things to talk about: MP

— PHOTO: PTI

Courtesy call: NCP leader and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar greets Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray at the latter’s residence in Mumbai on Sunday.

MUMBAI: Union Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar on Sunday met Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray at the latter’s residence ‘Matoshri’ at Bandra here.

Two-hour meeting

According to Sanjay Raut, Sena MP and spokesperson who was present, the meeting lasted two hours. He, however, did not give details.

Mr. Pawar and Mr. Thackeray have been friends for 40 years and they would have many things to talk about. Mr. Pawar also inquired about the Sena leader’s health, he said.

Mr. Raut denied that Revenue Minister Narayan Rane figured in the meeting, saying “Rane is not an issue for us.”

The meeting assumes significance in the wake of the Congress defeat in the Gujarat elections.

Rane’s accusations

The political situation in Maharashtra is in turmoil after Mr. Rane’s accusations against Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

Mr. Rane met Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday to apprise her of his views on the party affairs in Maharashtra.

Mr. Rane is seeking a leadership change and it remains to be seen what action the party leadership will take.

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