Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis urged against politicizing birthday wishes from opposition leaders Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, calling them ideological opponents, not enemies. He also addressed the Pandharpur corridor project, the Marathi-Hindi row.
Devendra Fadnavis. Pic credits/file pic
Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, stated on Wednesday that the wishes he received from opposition leaders on his birthday should not be subject to political interpretation.
On Tuesday, a coffee table book on Fadnavis was published, featuring laudatory messages from NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray.
While speaking to the media on Wednesday, CM Fadnavis stated, "We are ideological opponents, not enemies. It is extremely wrong to give a political colour to the wishes extended on a birthday or any other auspicious occasion. Otherwise, it will look like we are promoting an incorrect picture of the state's culture," as cited by news agency PTI.
The Maharashtra CM further added, "Some people published a book on my birthday. Both these leaders (Pawar and Thackeray) were asked for comments, and they spoke well about me and wished me well. I am thankful to them. It would be parochial to give a political colour to this."
Moreover, talking about the 675th 'samadhi' anniversary of Namdeo, a well-known 13th-century Bhakti saint, the Chief Minister said the lives of saints are always inspirational.
During the conversation on Tuesday, Fadnavis said it would be wrong "to drag the Governor into politics" when asked about Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan's remarks regarding the row over the use of Marathi and Hindi.
Devendra Fadnavis also refused to comment on the demand for Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate's resignation after the minister was seen 'playing' online rummy while in the Legislative Council. However, he went on to say, "I am here to offer prayers," as cited by news agency PTI.
The Chief Minister was indeed interested in having a discussion with the locals about the Pandharpur Corridor Project. “This project seeks to revamp the area around the Vithal-Rukmini temple by widening the roads, relocating shops, and improving the facilities for devotees,” Fadnavis said.
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi also wished Fadnavis on his birthday, saying, "Best wishes to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on his birthday. He's working tirelessly for Maharashtra's progress and empowering the poor and downtrodden. May he lead a long and healthy life in service of the people."
(With Inputs from PTI)
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