MUMBAI: Raj Thackeray has written a letter to Devendra Fadnavis and has requested that the BJP should not contest this election. In response, Fadnavis had added, "I cannot take a decision alone in BJP.*

Thackeray said in the letter that after the unfortunate demise of the late MLA Ramesh Latke, the bye-election for the Andheri East Legislative Assembly seat has been announced.  Rituja Latke, wife of Ramesh Latke, has filed her candidature for this seat. Ramesh Latke was a good activist.  Even their progress has started from the head of the branch. I am a witness of his political journey.  His soul will truly rest in peace with his wife becoming an MLA after his demise!”

However, the Deputy Chief Minister has said that “I cannot take decisions alone in BJP.  If I want to take a decision on Raj Thackeray's letter, I will have to discuss it with my party colleagues, senior leaders.  Also Balasaheb's Shiv Sena is also with us.  Therefore, I have to discuss it with Eknath Shinde too", Devendra Fadnavis has commented.