Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged against politicizing birthday wishes he received from opposition leaders Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, featured in a coffee table book released on his birthday. Speaking to reporters after visiting Pandharpur’s Vitthal temple, Fadnavis said, “We are ideological opponents, not enemies. Giving political colour to such gestures misrepresents Maharashtra’s culture.”

The book included laudatory messages from the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) presidents. “I’m thankful for their kind words,” Fadnavis added, dismissing attempts to frame the gestures politically as “parochial.” He also addressed the 675th ‘samadhi’ anniversary of Bhakti saint Namdeo, calling saints’ lives inspirational.

Fadnavis refused to comment on Governor C P Radhakrishnan’s remarks on the Marathi-Hindi language row, saying it was wrong to drag the governor into politics. He also sidestepped questions about demands for Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate’s resignation over playing online rummy in the legislative council, stating, “I’m here to offer prayers.”

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On the Pandharpur corridor project, aimed at enhancing facilities around the Vithal-Rukmini temple, Fadnavis expressed readiness to discuss concerns with locals to ensure smoother implementation.

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