Veteran actor Nana Patekar was known for his strong and outspoken views on politics, social causes, Maharashtra and public life. Though he never formally joined a political party, he shared a close personal bond with Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and had, by his own admission, once been a "staunch Shiv Sena" supporter. Patekar considered Thackeray a father figure, but the Sena founder never offered the actor a party ticket. Patekar, however, repeatedly ruled out joining active politics. Over the years, he also shared memorable public moments with political leaders including Devendra Fadnavis, Amit Shah, Eknath Shinde, Nitesh Rane, Jayant Patil among others. (Pics/X and File pics)

Opposition MPs of the INDIA bloc decided to hold a sit-in at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday to raise the issue of 'vote chori' and seek the ouster of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a day after their eight-hour dharna to press for a meeting with election commissioners. Pics/PTI