29 October,2026 10:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Devendra Fadnavis shared the stage with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS founder Raj Thackeray at a book launch in Mumbai on Thursday. PIC/PTI
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday shared the stage with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at a book launch in Mumbai, saying there was no reason to be surprised as political bonhomie across party lines was part of Maharashtra's tradition.
Speaking at the launch of Maharashtra Chi Hasyaresha, a book documenting the works and profiles of 75 cartoonists, Fadnavis said the state had a long tradition of political dialogue across party lines.
"I do not know why some people were surprised to see us sharing a stage. We are not surprised. This is part of Maharashtra's political tradition. Politicians from different parties can attend the same programme, laugh together and have tea together," Fadnavis said, according to news agency PTI.
"Until 2019, whenever Uddhavji called me, I went. After 2019, he did not call. I was waiting," the chief minister added.
The BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena, once long-time allies, parted ways after the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections over the sharing of the chief minister's post, turning into political rivals.
Fadnavis also expressed his willingness to take the initiative to establish a dedicated gallery for cartoonists in Mumbai. He said he would seek the support of both Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray for the proposed project.
"There is a proposal to establish a dedicated gallery for cartoonists in Mumbai. I will certainly take the initiative for this and also seek the support of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray to create a gallery where works of cartoonists can be displayed," he said.
Describing cartooning as an extraordinary art form, Fadnavis said a single cartoon could convey a message as effectively as an editorial.
"An editorial may explain something at length, but a single cartoon can convey the same message just as effectively. Politicians are often subjects of cartoons. But when cartoons are drawn of politicians, do not feel bad. Enjoy them," he said.
The chief minister said Marathi cartoonists had consistently documented significant developments, reflected the political climate and provided a medium for dissent and criticism.
Fadnavis congratulated editor Prashant Kulkarni and Granthali for compiling Maharashtra Chi Hasyaresha, saying the collection was valuable because it preserved older cartoons along with their historical context.
He also recalled asking Raj Thackeray to draw his nose bigger if he ever sketched him, making a light-hearted reference to the MNS chief's cartooning skills.
(With PTI inputs)
