Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde spoke to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Raj Thackeray on Sunday and enquired about his health. Raj Thackeray is recovering from his hip surgery and has just returned home from the hospital. Observers say this is Shinde’s attempt to broaden his base and thereby checkmate Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the upcoming civic body elections.
At present, MNS has a lone MLA in the state assembly and he has supported the BJP during the recently held Rajya Sabha and state council elections. Even though MNS and BJP have not officially stitched an alliance, they have a tacit understanding to corner Shiv Sena and Maha Vikas Aghadi-led government. Shinde may keep Raj in good humour as the saying goes, enemy’s enemy is a friend.