Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) A rare display of camaraderie was evident among Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray during the farewell ceremony for nine legislative council members on Tuesday.

Thackeray, who is set to retire on May 13 from the upper house, took a jab at the BJP regarding its aggressive strategy of absorbing leaders from various political factions.

Shinde, who separated from Thackeray in June 2022, referred to him as “Uddhav Thackeray Saheb” on two occasions, expressing his wishes for Thackeray's good health, longevity, and continued political journey.

Both Fadnavis and Thackeray acknowledged that their political divergence was a result of external pressures, attempting to convey a sense of absence of resentment.

Thackeray criticized the BJP's trend of poaching leaders from other parties, particularly the opposition, by stating: “A political league cannot function if one team begins to recruit players from all others. Furthermore, how can such a league thrive if only one team remains active? Is that conducive to a healthy democracy?”

The Legislative Council bid farewell to nine members, whose terms conclude in May 2026. The members include: Uddhav Thackeray – Shiv Sena (UBT), Neelam Gorhe – Shiv Sena, Amol Mitkari – NCP, Shashikant Shinde – NCP (SP), Rajesh Rathod – Congress, Sandeep Joshi – BJP, Dadarao Keche – BJP, Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil – BJP, and Sanjay Kenekar – BJP.

CM Fadnavis commenced his address by referring to Thackeray as the “son of Shiv Sena founder Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray,” emphasizing his familial and political heritage.

Fadnavis remarked that Thackeray is not inherently a politician but possesses a sensitive artist’s nature, leading him to make decisions without much political calculation or fear of repercussions.

“Uddhav Thackeray’s essence isn’t political. When he makes a choice, he stands by it. He mirrors his father, the late Balasaheb Thackeray. Although he is assertive in politics, his true self is different. His artistic sensibility shines through in the photographs he has taken,” Fadnavis stated.

The two have shared a friendship since 2010, which deepened in 2014. “It’s not that our friendship has waned; rather, we parted ways due to differing political ideologies,” he added.

Expressing sorrow over his political rift with Thackeray, Fadnavis recited a poem: “Jinko hath pakadkar chalana tha, hairat hai woh baat pakadkar baith gaye” (the ones who should have walked with me hand in hand have parted ways due to past events).

In response, Thackeray queried Fadnavis: “Aisi kaun si baath thi ki kisi aur ka haath pakadana pada?” (What was the reason that compelled you to seek another’s hand?)

Thackeray seized the moment to highlight his accomplishments as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister and the initiatives taken by his government during the COVID-19 crisis.

He acknowledged that his temperament was not political and expressed gratitude to all officers, staff, and former associates – including those who departed during the 2022 party split – who collaborated with him during his tenure as the chief minister of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Thackeray called upon all parties and leaders to resolve against following or promoting any self-proclaimed godmen for personal gains, urging them instead to empower the youth of the state to carve their own destinies.

Earlier, when Shinde recited a Marathi poem expressing his eagerness to reunite in the assembly, Thackeray humorously folded his hands in response, eliciting laughter in the assembly.

In his address, Shinde also made a veiled reference to internal conflicts with his alliance partner, the BJP, relating to a recent dispute in the Satara Zilla Parishad.

Praising the retiring NCP (SP) member Shashikant Shinde, he stated: “Shinde kisise darate nahi, maidan chod ke bhagate nahi” (We Shindes do not fear anyone nor abandon the battlefield).