Shiv Sena downplays Raj Thackeray’s visit to BJP office

Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna on Wednesday tried to downplay a controversy stirred by MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s unexpected visit to the BJP office on Monday.

“Anybody is free to drink tea anywhere,” wrote party chief Bal Thackeray in the editorial, criticising the media for reporting that the party had spoken to BJP leaders in Delhi over the issue.

“There are a number of tea stalls in Mumbai, and anyone can drink tea there.” He said there was “no severe reaction” in the party to the meeting.

Taking a dig at BJP state president Sudhir Munguntiwar and general secretary Vinod Tawde, the article said: “The tea party was nothing else but a display of pure humanity. And since this was said by our … friends, we have to believe it at any cost.”

Nevertheless, Thackeray sent out a stern message to the BJP. “The decorum of friendship must be maintained,” he wrote.

Sena had reportedly not taken kindly to Raj’s visit to the BJP’s office for a cup of tea on Monday. It was learnt that the party threatened to boycott the NDA rally against corruption, carried out on Wednesday, but later decided against it.