After bitter criticism of BJP on the part of Shiv Sena, it was a different picture altogether at the site of Balasaheb Thackeray National memorial (erstwhile Mumbai Mayor Bungalow) where both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray jointly paid homage before late Balasaheb Thackeray's photograph on Wednesday.

After yesterday's state Cabinet decision of sanctioning Rs. 100 crores for proposed Balasaheb Thackeray memorial, today's Ganesh poojan at the proposed site is being looked upon as an inch forward for alliance between BJP and Sena beofre the Lok Sabha polls.

Both the leaders had a closed-door meeting in presence of a few other dignitaries after performing Ganesh poojan. Fadnavis and Thackeray were inside the room for around 15 minutes and there were lot many people inside the room including MP Poonam Mahajan and others. Sources informed that they had discussions on proposed memorial rather than alliance. Mumbai mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, Trustee of the memorial committee Shashi Prabhu who is a well-known architect, Abha Lamba who is an expert in the field of heritage structure was also present.

Both BJP and Sena leaders are considering today's function as another step forward towards pre-poll alliance for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. A Sena leader on the condition of anonymity said, `state Cabinet sanctioning Rs. 100 crores for the memorial only on the other day and Chief Minister gracing today's function tells a lot. Aage Aage Dekho Hota Hai Kya...'

Both the leaders came out from the meeting and formally the documents pertaining to Mayor's bungalow were handed over to the Balasaheb Thackeray memorial Trust president Uddhav Thackeray. BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta, mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar handed over these documents in presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Both the leaders posed for the shutterbugs. Interestingly, when photographers shouted and requested them to go for a handshake, both declined the request. Instead, both with folded hands greeted each other and chief minister Fadnavis as well as Thackeray refused to speak to media.