Sat Jan 11 05:37:49 UTC 2025: ## Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Clarifies BJP’s Relations with Thackerays, Praises Pawar’s Political Acumen

**Nagpur, [Date]** – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has shed light on the BJP’s evolving relationships with the Thackeray family and NCP leader Sharad Pawar following the recent state assembly elections. In an interview with senior journalist Vivek Ghalsasi, Fadnavis stated that while both Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are considered friends by the BJP, Uddhav is not an enemy.

The BJP’s alliance with the Thackerays, historically rooted in shared Hindutva ideology, fractured in 2019, leading to the formation of a Maha Vikas Aghadi government comprising the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), Congress, and NCP. The subsequent split within the Shiv Sena, with Eknath Shinde’s faction aligning with the BJP, saw Raj Thackeray’s MNS move closer to the BJP. Fadnavis confirmed a meeting with Uddhav Thackeray during the Winter Assembly session, emphasizing the BJP’s non-vengeful approach.

Fadnavis also lauded Sharad Pawar’s post-election praise for the BJP and RSS, suggesting Pawar recognized the RSS’s influence and nationalist appeal, exceeding typical political power. He speculated on the possibility of a reunification within the NCP, stating that political alliances are fluid, referencing the shifting dynamics witnessed between 2019 and 2024.

Addressing his own appointment as Deputy Chief Minister under Eknath Shinde, Fadnavis clarified that he had initially sought to remain in an organizational role before being persuaded by senior party leaders to join the government. He also offered a diplomatic response when asked about the relative strictness of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting their differing leadership styles. Finally, Fadnavis noted the swift agreement from Eknath Shinde to a BJP Chief Minister following the BJP’s resounding electoral victory.

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