Fadnavis Thanks Political Rivals Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, Says ‘We Aren’t Enemies’

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended his gratitude to political opponents Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar on Monday, following their warm gestures on the occasion of his birthday. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized that while ideological differences exist, personal respect between leaders remains intact.

“I thank Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar for their birthday wishes. We may be ideological opponents, but we are not enemies,” Fadnavis said. His remarks were made in the context of recent public praise from both opposition leaders in a commemorative book released to mark the Chief Minister’s 55th birthday.

The coffee table book, titled Maharashtra Nayak, was unveiled by Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. In it, several political figures, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar, shared their views on Fadnavis’s leadership and contributions to the state.

Sharad Pawar described Fadnavis as a “large-hearted and senior leader,” while Thackeray acknowledged his commitment to public service and ability to work across party lines. The comments have drawn attention for their unusually conciliatory tone amid Maharashtra’s often combative political atmosphere.

Fadnavis, who currently serves as Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP-led government, stated that these words of goodwill reflect a political culture in which mutual respect is possible despite differing ideologies. “This is the beauty of our democracy. We can oppose each other on policies, but respect must always remain,” he said.

The event also included discussions on various government initiatives, including an environmental campaign aimed at planting over 4 million trees in Gadchiroli district, as part of efforts to make it one of India’s greenest regions.