Wrong to give political colour to birthday wishes of Pawar, Thackeray: CM Fadnavis

Pandharpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said no political interpretation should be placed on the praise he received from opposition leaders on his birthday.

A coffee table book on Fadnavis with laudatory messages by NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray was released on Tuesday.

"We are ideological opponents, not enemies. It is extremely wrong to give a political colour to the wishes extended on birthday or any other auspicious occasion. Otherwise it will look like we are promoting an incorrect picture of the state's culture," Fadnavis said, speaking to reporters after visiting the Vitthal temple at Pandharpur.

"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. I am thankful to them. It would be parochial to give a political colour to this, " he said.

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.

Asked about Governor C P Radhakrishnan's remarks about the row regarding the use of Marathi and Hindi, Fadnavis said it would be wrong "to drag the governor into politics." He 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.

"I am here to offer prayers," said the chief minister.

He was ready to discuss with the locals the Pandharpur corridor project which seeks to revamp the area around the Vithal-Rukmini temple by widening the roads, relocating shops and improving the facilities for devotees, Fadnavis said.