Uddhav Thackeray not scheduled to meet Narendra Modi, says Shiv Sena

Terming the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in Mumbai on Saturday as apolitical, Shiv Sena said party president Uddhav Thackeray was not scheduled to meet him in Mumbai or even in the national capital later, and talks for government formation would start only on Monday. The Prime Minister today inaugurated H N Reliance Foundation's hospital here.

"The Prime Minister has come to Mumbai only to inaugurate a hospital. At a time when the PM has come for a social cause, there will be no political talks. Talks will start only from Monday," Shiv Sena MP from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Vinayak Raut told reporters here, after meeting Thackeray at his residence. When asked if Thackeray was scheduled to meet Modi in Delhi next week, Raut said no meeting had been scheduled.

"We haven't had a talk with BJP regarding Modi's (possible) meeting with Uddhav Thackeray. For now, I can only say that all the Sena MPs will be attending the Diwali dinner (organised by the Prime Minister) tomorrow," Raut said.

Earlier in the day, BJP sources said the new BJP government in Maharashtra was likely to be sworn in on October 29 or 30. Asked what would be Sena's stand if BJP decided to form the government without its support, Raut said Thackeray would take a decision in the party's interest.

"If BJP wants to form a government without our support, it will be BJP leaders' call. Thackeray is keenly observing every development. He is well-poised to take a decision that will be good for the future of the Sena," Raut said.