Maharashtra Day: Raj, Athawale offer tributes

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and RPI leader Ramdas Athawale, a key player in the Shiv Sena-BJP-RPI's mega alliance, offered tributes at the 'Hutatma Chowk' (Martyrs Square) in south Mumbai on the occasion of the 52nd 'Maharashtra Day'.

The two leaders found themselves arriving at the venue almost at the same time. Athawale reached first, followed by Raj, 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 co-operation 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.