Mumbai, Mar 5 (Agencies): Taking strong exception to Nitin Gadkari's meeting with MNS chief Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece 'Saamna' termed the BJP leader as an apt businessman, who is expert in setting deals.

An editorial in Sena's mouthpiece lambastes Gadkari saying that the ex-BJP president's business skills should be credited for his deal with Raj Thackeray.

Sena's latest attack comes a day after the BJP's oldest ally yesterday said its "grand alliance" with the party could collapse if the BJP continued to hobnob with the NCP or Raj Thackeray's MNS.

Speaking to reporters, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, “All doors are now closed for the MNS, there is no need for any negotiation with Raj Thackeray's party, we do not require them in the NDA.”

The former BJP chief on Monday met Raj here, triggering speculation that the saffron party is trying to win over the MNS chief into NDA for upcoming elections even as he said there is no reason for Shiv Sena to be annoyed by his meeting with Raj.

At their meeting Monday, Gadkari reportedly urged the MNS not to put up candidates in the Lok Sabha election and instead support BJP candidates to oust the Congress-NCP combine.

Asked if Sharad Pawar-led NCP will come over to NDA after the elections, Gadkari said anything can happen in cricket and politics. "We are confident of getting a clear majority on our own," the BJP leader added. When contacted, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said "we have nothing to say on the meeting".