BJP's newly appointed national president Nitin Gadkari on Monday paid a courtesy visit to saffron ally, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray at the latter's residence Matoshree in suburban Bandra.
Later Gadkari told reporters that he looked upon Thackeray with love and respect. "We had a good 45-minute chat where Balasaheb told me that my new assignment was a big responsibility. He said he was giving his blessings to me to carry out my duties properly. He said he had faith that I would do well," Gadkari said.
Gadkari said he was happy to note that Thackeray's health had improved considerably and that he was in good spirits.
The BJP leader said he will meet Shiv Sena Executive president Uddhav Thackeray, who is out of the country and would be back on December 30, once he returns. "We will meet after he returns," he said.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena sources said Thackeray had asked Gadkari to ensure that the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance continued. PTI
