Raj Thackeray visits Matoshree to check on ailing Shiv Sena chief

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited his ailing uncle Bal Thackeray on Monday to inquire about the Shiv Sena chief's health. Both sides ruled out any political agenda to the visit.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visited his ailing uncle Bal Thackeray on Monday to inquire about the Shiv Sena chief's health. Both sides ruled out any political agenda to the visit.



"It was a purely personal visit as Balasaheb has not been keeping well," said an MNS leader who chose not to be named. In July, Raj visited estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray at the Lilavati Hospital after the latter underwent a surgery. Then too Raj did not entertain questions about his visit, saying family matters should be kept out of public domain.

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Sena sources said the Shiv Sena chief had been unwell for the past two days following his breathing problem and stomach ailment. "He may be admitted to Lilavati Hospital for a check-up in a day or two following which, the doctor may keep him under observation for some time," a senior Sena functionary said.

Ever since Raj Thackeray's July visit to Matoshree, there have been talks of a possible rapprochement between the two Senas. The 2014 elections hold great significance for both parties, particularly as relations between the ruling Congress-NCP combine have now ebbed with some NCP legislators even suggesting that the party withdraw from the government.

However, both the Shiv Sena and the MNS have dismissed any possibility of any alliance.