Sarvankar, Raj Thackeray spotted together at Shivaji Park gymkhana reopening

Former Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar and MNS president Raj Thackeray seem to have put aside their political friction as both of them on Monday were spotted during the reopening of Shivaji Park Gymkhana in Dadar, which has undergone extensive renovations. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar led the inauguration, recalling his early cricketing days at the iconic venue.

Sarvankar and Raj Thackeray’s son, Amit, had both contested the Mahim assembly seat in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections but lost to Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Mahesh Sawant. According to sources, Raj did not want Sarvankar to contest the polls as his son was contesting. BJP too has put pressure on Shiv Sena and Sarvankar to leave the seat for MNS. However, Sarvankar remained firm on contesting, which had created an uneasy relationship between the two leaders.

At the event, Sarvankar emphasised their personal bond, telling reporters: “I took blessings of Raj Thackeray. He also patted my back. Our relationship with Raj saheb is very old. We have a deep bond and we can’t forget our ties. I am his neighbour today.” He added that electoral outcomes were secondary, noting, “Election is a different issue. We had different responsibilities during polls.”

The refurbished gymkhana, painted in Wimbledon green and beige, plans to launch a women’s cricket team, reflecting a push for inclusivity. Residents have also raised concerns about illegal parking on the grounds, prompting the installation of green parking boards.