Mumbai: Defence Minister and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) convenor George Fernandes called on Maharashtra Governor P C Alexander on July 2.

Raj Bhawan sources said that the meeting lasted for about half-an-hour.

Sources, refusing to divulge details of the meeting, said that it was a mere courtesy call.

This is Fernandes' first meeting with the Governor post the recent political crisis in the state and selection of NDA's candidate for Presidential polls after Alexander's name was fielded initially.

Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly and a key Shiv Sena functionary Narayan Rane has criticised Alexander for giving Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh 10 days time to prove his majority in the House after high-drama withdrawal of support by a number of ruling front Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray and his son Udhav had also called on the Governor recently.

During the day, Fernandes also visited the country's first museum ship INS Vikrant.

According to Defence sources, Fernandes was accompanied by senior Naval and civil officials on the occasion.

During his stay in the metropolis, Fernandes is also likely to visit the 18th century Mexican ship "Arm Cuauhtemoc" (eagle that swoops on its prey), which is on a goodwill visit.

PTI