Fadnavis, Uddhav, and Raj Thackeray Exchange Light-Hearted Jibes at Book Launch

Political Leaders Share a Stage

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, and MNS chief Raj Thackeray recently gathered in Mumbai for the launch of 'Hasya Rekha,' a collection of Marathi political cartoons spanning 100 years. The event, held at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak Auditorium, saw the leaders set aside their ongoing political differences for a brief exchange of wit.

The Light-Hearted Banter

During the event, Fadnavis engaged in playful banter with the Thackeray cousins. Referring to their respective creative interests—Uddhav’s photography and Raj’s cartooning—Fadnavis suggested they focus on these pursuits while he handles politics. Uddhav Thackeray countered this by highlighting the power of the cartoonist’s brush, citing the legacy of his father, the late Balasaheb Thackeray, as evidence that art and politics are not mutually exclusive.

Raj Thackeray added to the humor when asked about leaders appearing together more often, remarking that for such gatherings to continue, Fadnavis would need to remain in his current position until 2029.

Future Initiatives

• State Gallery: Fadnavis announced that the state government intends to establish a dedicated gallery in Mumbai to showcase the works of Marathi cartoonists, with support from the Cultural Affairs Department.
• Cultural Focus: The book, edited by satirist Prashant Kulkarni, serves as a record of a century of social and political commentary in the state.

Beyond the stage, the trio was spotted in a private conversation away from the public eye, sparking speculation in local media. The meeting occurred shortly after the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.