In a rare gesture across party lines, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar publicly acknowledged the work ethic and political rise of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Pawar’s remarks appear in Maharashtra Nayak, a coffee table book launched to mark Fadnavis’s 55th birthday. The book was unveiled by Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan and was conceptualised by BJP leader Girish Mahajan.
In his written tribute, Pawar recalled his own days as chief minister while reflecting on Fadnavis’s energy.
“When I see Devendra Fadnavis, the way he works, I remember my days as CM of Maharashtra. On his birthday, I wish him that his zeal for work should grow every year,” Pawar wrote.
He added a touch of humor while noting their shared reputation for stamina. “Usually, they say an active person is slim and trim, but neither of us is, yet we remain very much active.”
Pawar went on to reflect on Fadnavis’s political growth following the early death of his father.
“Though Devendra Fadnavis got his lessons of politics at home since childhood, the main challenge for him was to rise through the ranks after his father and mentor passed away when he was very young. That’s why, one must compliment him for his achievements and success.”
He highlighted Fadnavis’s legal education, communication skills, and patience as assets that helped him gain influence even before holding office.
“The way he worked as a state BJP president further helped him to become the CM of Maharashtra. Both of us are from different streams, but still relentlessly work for people. In such a scenario, one cannot deny the pace of work of Devendra Fadnavis,” Pawar said.
The acknowledgment from Pawar was unexpected in the state’s typically combative political environment.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray offered his birthday wishes to the chief minister as well.
Reacting to the warm messages, Fadnavis offered his thanks and clarified that political differences do not make personal enemies.
“We are not enemies,” he said on Tuesday. “They are ideological opponents, and that is how it should be seen.”
The book Maharashtra Nayak was released at an event attended by several senior political figures. The tone of the occasion stood out for its civility in an otherwise divided political landscape.
While the comments sparked conversations, they also hinted at the nuanced relationships between Maharashtra’s leading figures—where opposition doesn’t always rule out recognition.
