Denying rumours of his entry into politics, former underworld don Ashwin Naik said he instead planned to focus on his business and on promoting sports like hockey.

Naik, who was recently acquitted of criminal charges, set off speculation after he met Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and his son Uddhav Thackeray.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Naik claimed that there was nothing political in his meeting with the Sena supremo and politics had not been discussed with them. “As of now, I have no plans to enter politics,” added Naik, who also termed the speculation as “rubbish.” Naik said he had good relations with politicians from across political parties and said he was proud of being a Maharashtrian.

He added that he would concentrate on his businesses like real estate and said he also wanted to work on providing an impetus to sports like hockey, where the country’s standing had dipped. 

While replying to questions on whether he would support the Sena in the forthcoming state assembly polls, Naik said, “Why not? I will support all.” He added that was a “coincidence” that his meeting with the Sena chief came in the run up to the state assembly polls.