Fadnavis, Thackeray Brothers Share Stage

Mumbai: In a rare display of camaraderie, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray, known political rivals, shared the dais on Thursday at the launch of a book chronicling the 100-year journey of Marathi cartoons. However, Fadnavis said there was nothing unusual about attending the programme with the Thackeray brothers. Having tea with political opponents is part of Maharashtra’s political culture, he said.

The book, Maharashtrachya Hasyarekha, edited by renowned senior cartoonist Prashant Kulkarni, was released by Granthali Publications at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Memorial Auditorium in Dadar. It traces the history of Marathi cartoon art from 1880 to the present, covering major cartoonists from Maharashtra, their distinctive styles and selected cartoons. The presence of the three heavyweight leaders at a cultural event assumed political significance in view of the current equations between the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Fadnavis and the Thackeray brothers also held a closed-door meeting before the formal programme, setting political circles abuzz.

Sources said Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray held a private discussion behind closed doors before the public event. However, people close to the Chief Minister said it was a courtesy meeting over tea before the formal programme began.

The development comes against the backdrop of several recent political developments in the state. The reported private talks have triggered widespread speculation in political circles about what exactly was discussed.

Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis recalled an interaction with Raj Thackeray in which he had once requested the MNS chief to draw his cartoon. In a light-hearted remark, he said Raj could exaggerate his nose and ears but should not depict him with a large belly. Raj had agreed to his request, Fadnavis said, adding that other cartoonists did not oblige him and focused only on his stomach.

BJP leader Ashish Shelar had remarked that whenever Raj Thackeray called, the Chief Minister would reach him. Responding to this, Fadnavis said that before 2019, he would visit Uddhav Thackeray whenever the latter called him, but no such call had come since 2019.

Fadnavis said a gallery for cartoonists would be built in Mumbai and that the help of both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray would be sought for the project. He said many people might have been surprised to see the three leaders sharing a stage, but they themselves did not find it surprising. This, he said, was part of Maharashtra’s tradition. The channels of dialogue remained open, he added, and this was a distinctive feature of the state’s politics.

Taking a dig at the Thackeray brothers, Fadnavis said Raj Thackeray was a good cartoonist, while Uddhav Thackeray was a photographer. He suggested that both should let him work in the political field.

“Each person has a talent and expertise in a specific field. Everyone should excel in their respective fields. Since I understand politics very well, I work in the political field. He (Raj) is a good cartoonist, while he (Uddhav) is a good photographer. They should allow me to work in the political field,” the senior BJP leader said in a lighter vein.