India, Nov. 1 -- At a convention of Mathadi workers on Thursday, Mathadi leader Narendra Patil broke down in full public view, laying bare his anguish before an audience that included several political leaders - except the one he most wanted to see.

A long-time BJP loyalist - he famously sports a tattoo of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's name on his arm - Patil has lately been reaching out to deputy chief minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. But Shinde's no-show at the Turbhe meet cut deep.

"Eknath Shinde was supposed to be here today but he hasn't made it. I've never faced such a situation in my life," Patil said, his voice faltering. After pausing to regain his composure, he added, "My family is used to facing such insults. ...