Mumbai:
Maharahtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and Republic Party of India 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 today.
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 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.