BJP-backed legislator Mete visits Uddhav Thackeray

Maratha leader and BJP-backed MLC Vinayak Mete, sulking for some time over being sidelined, today called on Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, the bickering ally of ruling BJP, at latter's residence here.
Mete, founder chairman of pro-Maratha Shivsangram Sanghatna from Beed district, had supported the BJP against Sena in 2014 Assembly elections.
When contacted, he told PTI that nothing should be read into his visit.
"My visit to Uddhav Thackeray at 'Matoshree' (Thackeray's residence in suburban Bandra) was to apprise him about various issues related to Maratha community seeking reservation in jobs. I also gave more details to him about the proposed Shivaji Maharaj memorial, which is going to be largest one in the world," Mete said.

Mete has been in sulk since last year over his non-induction in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government.
The MLC had last month accused the BJP of turning the foundation laying of Shivaji memorial in Arabian sea into a "party event to derive a political mileage", a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the ceremony.

Mete heads the 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Smarak Samiti' which is overseeing the execution of the ambitious project, coming up off Mumbai coast.
He was former ally of Sharad Pawar-led NCP.
Mete's visit came at a time when much-awaited civic elections, including to high-stake Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are round the corner.

The State Election Commission has already called for a press conference tomorrow afternoon.
However, Mete stressed his meeting with Thackeray was strictly in the context of the memorial project and issues concerning Maratha community.
"There is nothing to read more about in such visit. I have worked with BJP as per our earlier arrangement, but Shiv Sena being an ally of 'Mahayuti' in Maharashtra, I am also of the opinion of BJP-Shiv Sena should form alliance ahead of civic polls," he said.
When asked about Mete's visit, Sena spokesperson and senior leader Neelam Gorhe said, "Vinayak Mete is a senior leader and our leader Uddhav Thackeray also know him for some time. There is nothing new or unusual that leaders are visiting Matoshree.