India, Aug. 21 -- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence 'Varsha' on Thursday, triggering fresh speculation in state political circles about possible realignments.

The strategic timing of the summit has only added fuel to the fiery rumours. The meeting came a day after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, contesting together for the first time, suffered a major setback in the BEST Employees' Co-operative Credit Society elections. Their joint panel failed to secure even one of the 21 seats.

However, the leaders have so far quashed the mounting buzz of rapprochement, with Raj Thackeray suggesting the meet was purely non-political and not aimed at any...