Is former Maharashtra deputy CM Chhagan Bhujbal eyeing a comeback in Shiv Sena?

Bhujbal meets Sena secretary Milind Narvekar; his supporters have pointed out previously that the NCP leadership had turned its back on the leader when he was in trouble.

Shiv Sena secretary Milind Narvekar met senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chhagan Bhujbal on Sunday. The meeting has left eyebrows in the political corridors raised. Narvekar is also personal assistant to party president Uddhav Thackeray. Interestingly, Bhujbal had started his political career with the Shiv Sena but had quit the party in 1991.

The meeting comes days after Bhujbal’s son, Pankaj, met Thackeray at Matoshree, the Sena chief’s residence. Narvekar has confirmed that the two met at a city hospital, where Bhujbal is undergoing treatment. But he refused to divulge the details of the meeting.

However, a senior Sena leader on the condition of anonymity said, “It was a courtesy call on Bhujbal to check on his health.”

The meeting, which went over for over an hour have raised speculations that Bhujbal is rekindling ties with the Thackerays before making a comeback into active politics.

Five days after Bhujbal was released from the prison, Pankaj went to Matoshree with a box of sweets.

Bhujbal was released two weeks ago on bail after serving more than two years in jail in a money laundering case.

His followers have complained that the NCP senior leadership had almost ditched the leader over the last two years, following his arrest.