Mumbai: Filmmaker Smita Thackeray, daughter-in-law of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray, met Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday and said that he (Shinde) is an "old" Shiv Sainik of Shiv Sena. Smita is the first member of the Thackeray family to meet Shinde. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government collapsed last month due to Shinde's revolt against Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray with 39 MLAs.

Smita said that it was a courtesy call. After meeting Shinde at the government guest house 'Sahyadri' in south Mumbai, she told reporters, "Eknath Shinde is an old Shiv Sainik who has become CM. I have come here to congratulate him. I have known him and his work for many years. It was a courtesy meeting. We have known each other for a long time so I met him today."

Smita Thackeray said that I respect the chair on which Shinde is sitting today. I also know his work and I know how much work he has done in Shiv Sena. I didn't see the family, just came to wish him well. When asked about the rebellion in Shiv Sena, Smita said she doesn't know anything about it as she is a social worker and is not into politics. Smita said, ''I am not into politics. I don't know anything about it." She was a powerful figure in the Shiv Sena from 1995-99. Smita is the wife of Bal Thackeray's son Jaidev Thackeray.

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