Sat Jan 11 09:18:46 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Clarifies BJP’s Relationship with Thackerays, Praises Sharad Pawar’s Political Acumen

**Nagpur, Maharashtra:** Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has shed light on the BJP’s evolving relationship with the Thackeray family, stating that while both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray are considered friends, Uddhav is not an enemy. Speaking at the Late Vilasji Fadnis Jivhala programme, Fadnavis explained that the BJP’s ideological alignment with the Thackerays, rooted in Hindutva, had been disrupted by the 2019 political fallout that saw Uddhav Thackeray leading a coalition government with the Congress and NCP. This rift paved the way for a closer relationship between the BJP and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS). Fadnavis also revealed a meeting with Uddhav Thackeray during the Winter Assembly Session, where he reiterated his commitment to avoiding revenge politics.

Fadnavis also commented on Sharad Pawar’s recent praise for the RSS, attributing it to Pawar’s astute political understanding. He suggested that Pawar recognized the RSS’s influence and the effectiveness of its counter-narrative against opposition claims. Regarding the possibility of Pawar’s faction rejoining the original party, Fadnavis acknowledged the unpredictable nature of politics, citing the shifting alliances of 2019-2024 as evidence.

When asked about the relative strictness of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Fadnavis highlighted Modi’s discipline while suggesting a slightly greater flexibility in negotiating with Shah. He also revealed that Eknath Shinde readily agreed to the BJP’s proposal for a BJP Chief Minister after the party’s resounding victory in the recent state elections. Fadnavis also clarified that he initially desired to focus on organizational work before being asked to join the government as Eknath Shinde’s deputy in 2022.

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