Chief Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Raj Thackeray shared a stage in Mumbai at the release of the book Maharashtra’s Haasyarsha edited by Prashant Kulkarni. The gathering at Dadar’s Veer Savarkar National Memorial prompted political jibes regarding past communication and proposals for a dedicated cartoonist gallery.
Rival Leaders Meet at Veer Savarkar Memorial for Book Launch
Political divides in Maharashtra receded briefly as prominent leaders gathered at Dadar’s Veer Savarkar Memorial for the release of Maharashtra’s Haasyarsha, a volume edited by senior cartoonist Prashant Kulkarni. Also present were Ashish Shelar, Granthali publication trustee Sudesh Hinglaspurkar, and various art enthusiasts and cartoonists.
Chief Minister Fadnavis noted that while intense rivalries characterize politics in some southern states, Maharashtra maintains a cultural tradition where political opponents can sit together and share tea. Raj Thackeray remarked that certain platforms require politicians to set aside differences.
Devendra Fadnavis Addresses Post-2019 Communication Gap
Addressing remarks made by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar about his attendance at events, Chief Minister Fadnavis delivered a lighthearted commentary on his past interactions with Uddhav Thackeray.
The remark drew laughter from the audience at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Smarak Auditorium. Fadnavis also quipped about speaking last at the podium to prevent any counterattack from Raj Thackeray, who later countered with a humorous jab of his own by suggesting the Chief Minister remain in office until 2029.
Leaders Push for a Mumbai Cartoonist Gallery
Uddhav Thackeray emphasized the ability of cartoonists to read between the lines and recalled memories of Bal Thackeray’s book Phatkare published during his illness. In addition, Adv. Ashish Shelar highlighted efforts to honor veteran cartoonist Sh. D. Phadnis by establishing a study center named after him at Pune University. The published volume compiles the drawings, biographies, and artistic journeys of 75 cartoonists, illustrating a century of tradition in Marathi cartoon art.
STORY | Fadnavis shares stage with Uddhav, Raj at book launch; promises cartoon gallery in MumbaiChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday shared the stage with Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray at a book launch in Mumbai and asserted no one… pic.twitter.com/0HROOd1TpS
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the government, alongside Ashish Shelar, would take the initiative with assistance from both Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray to preserve the artistic heritage.