Fadavnis Delivers A Message To Uddhav & Raj In A Taunt

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis hit two birds with the same single stone while taunting Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and MNS leader Raj Thackeray. The occasion was the launch of a compilation of cartoons which have appeared in Marathi publications over the past one hundred years called ‘Hasya Reshaa.’ Taking a dig at the cousins, Fadanvis said, “Uddhav is an ace photographer, Raj is an accomplished cartoonist while I am good in politics. I feel that each of us should pursue the path we have chosen.” Expectedly, there was a huge applause. The event became memorable since Fadnavis and Uddhav were sharing a stage for the first time after the Shiv Sena (UBT) was divested of power in 2022. Fadnavis did not fail to again quip, “I was never hesitant about attending any programme but they (UBT) never invited me.” Compiler of the volume Prashant Kulkarni revealed that it was Raj Thackeray’s idea to invite the CM. Seizing the opportunity, Raj remarked, “Many more invites can be extended to Fadnavis. But just keep him in his seat till 2029.” The oblique reference was to the current developments in Maharashtra in the aftermath of the legislative council elections in which the ruling NDA was drubbed. The Sena (Shinde) and the BJP are at each other’s throat for the debacle. Interestingly, none of the three leaders failed to glorify Maharashtra’s liberal political culture which does not allow party policies to come in the way of personal relationships.