Fadnavis dismisses rumours of secret meeting with Uddhav Thackeray

Nashik: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis categorically denied reports of a "secret meeting" with Uddhav Thackeray, saying there was no need for secrecy on any discussions between him and the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief."There are currently no subjects between Uddhav Thackeray and me that require concealment. If we have to meet each other, we can meet openly, anywhere, any time," said Fadnavis, while speaking to media on the sidelines of a programme at Nashik.A social media channel claimed that there was a meeting between Fadnavis and Thackeray at 2am at his official residence in Mumbai. Fadnavis clarified that there was no such meeting and also warned of action against those spreading "such rumours"."There are some people who are deliberately engaged in spreading false news with malicious intent. Legal notices will be served to deceitful social media handles involved in spreading such claims," said Fadnavis.Controversy over book published 40 years ago is unnessary: FadnavisChief minister Devendra Fadnavis also said that there was no need to kick up a controversy over a book published 40 years ago. He was asked about Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad's expletive-laden threat in a midnight call to Prashant Ambi, the publisher of a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj authored by late Govind Pansare that was published in 1988.Fadnavis urged that matters be viewed in their proper context. He also said that it was inappropriate to use abusive language. "I am confident deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde will step in and take appropriate steps to make the person concerned understand this properly," said Fadnavis.