RPI leader Athavale meets Bal Thackeray at Matoshree

Mumbai, Jan 25 (PTI) A meeting between Shiv Sena chiefBal Thackeray and Republican Party of India (RPI) leaderRamdas Athavale at the former''s residence Matoshree herehas created a flutter in the political circles.

The two leaders met this afternoon for an hour overtea, the Sena sources said. Thackeray also talked to the RPIactivists who had come with Athavale for 15 minutes, thesources added.

"Thackeray asked the RPI leaders and activists tojoin hands with Sena. He told them to think it over, andtalk to Uddhav (Sena''s executive president)," the sourcessaid.

However, Athavale later denied that he discussedpolitics with the Shiv Sena supremo.

"There was no political discussion between us. It wasa courtesy call on the Sena chief, though we have differencesover certain issues. I greeted him for his recent birthday,"Athavale told reporters after the meeting.

Thackeray celebrated his 85th birthday on January 23.