"I had friendly relations with him (Gopinath Munde) from a long time. It feels very bad that an outstanding politician like him expired so suddenly," Thackeray told reporters here.
"As far as Gopinath Munde as an individual is concerned, it is a loss to the politics of Maharashtra," he said.
Thackeray said it was unfortunate that the senior BJP leader expired at a time when he got a big responsibility.
"His career had started once again after 10 years. He got a big portfolio as a Union minister (at the Centre) and he expired so suddenly. It was very unfortunate," Thackeray added.
General Secretary and party spokesperson Nitin Sardesai said," His (Munde's) death is an irreversible loss for the politics of Maharashtra. His life was full of struggles. He connected well with all the party workers. Not only party workers, he maintained cordial relations with leaders of other parties too. After so many years of struggle for the well being of the poor, he had got a place he deserved.