Maharashtra Day: Raj, Athawale offer tributes

The two leaders found themselves arriving at the venue almost at the same time today.

Republican Party of India leader Athawale reached first, followed by Thackerey, who arrived five minutes later with wife Sharmila.

After paying floral tributes at the memorial of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, both the leaders shook hands and shared pleasantries.

Athawale, whose party secured just one seat in the 227-member BMC, had expressed disappointment over the non-cooperation to his party by the Shiv Sainiks.

His hopes of getting the backing of the Sena for Rajya Sabha membership also received a setback after Sena fielded loyalist Anil Desai to the Upper House. PTI KVS VT NP MNS