India, June 12 -- Amid growing political speculation about a potential alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday morning at a five-star hotel in Bandra, Mumbai.

The closed-door meeting has raised eyebrows as it comes at a time when rumors are intensifying about a reconciliation between the estranged Thackeray cousins-Raj and Uddhav. While official sources confirmed the meeting, they remained tight-lipped about the agenda.

BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye downplayed the speculation, stating that Raj and Fadnavis are long-time friends and may have discussed state-related development issues. However, the timing of ...