India, April 26 -- Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday denied reports claiming he held a secret meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray at his Mumbai residence, saying there was no reason for the two leaders to meet "in a hush-hush manner."

Speaking to reporters at Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik, Fadnavis shut down rumors of a secret meeting on Wednesday and clarified that no discussions were held with Thackeray regarding the Legislative Council elections set for May 12.

"What is the need for me to meet the UBT chief secretly? There are no issues between us that require such a clandestine meeting. If there is any need, I can meet him openly," Fadnavis said.

He warned that legal action would be initi...