Fadnavis, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray Exchange Political Jokes at Marathi Cartoon Book Launch

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared an unusual public platform with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray at a book launch in Mumbai on Thursday, October 29. The three leaders, who belong to politically opposing camps, exchanged light-hearted remarks that brought humour to an event celebrating Marathi political cartooning.

The gathering took place at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar National Memorial in Dadar for the release of Maharashtrachya Hasyaresha, a collection documenting the history and work of Marathi cartoonists. The book was edited by cartoonist Prashant Kulkarni and brought together the artistic and political worlds through a collection of cartoons spanning several decades.

Raj Thackeray Makes a Remark About 2029

The humorous exchanges began after Maharashtra Culture Minister Ashish Shelar praised Fadnavis for accepting an invitation from Raj Thackeray. Shelar suggested that leaders should put political disagreements aside to support art and cultural activities.

Raj responded with a pointed joke, saying he would be happy to invite Fadnavis to more such programmes if Shelar ensured that the Chief Minister remained in office until 2029.

The remark drew laughter from the audience and added a political dimension to an otherwise cultural occasion.

Fadnavis Recalls His Relationship With Uddhav

Fadnavis responded with humour of his own, recalling his earlier relationship with Uddhav Thackeray.

He said that before 2019, he had attended whenever Uddhav invited him, but after that year the invitations had stopped. Fadnavis added that he had continued waiting for a call.

The reference was to the political developments following the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, when the BJP and the undivided Shiv Sena separated after disagreements over the distribution of power and the Chief Minister's position.

The two parties, which had been long-standing allies, subsequently became political opponents. Uddhav Thackeray later formed a government with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

Fadnavis also said that political leaders in Maharashtra had a tradition of attending cultural programmes together, sharing conversations and maintaining dialogue despite disagreements.

Cartooning Becomes the Subject of Another Joke

Fadnavis used the occasion to make another playful observation about the Thackeray cousins. Referring to their creative interests, he suggested that Uddhav should continue with photography and Raj with cartooning, while he handled politics.

He also joked about the arrangement on the stage, observing that others had moved towards the left while he had chosen to remain on the right.

Uddhav responded by defending the importance of political cartooning. He said that a cartoonist's brush could serve as a powerful instrument of expression, recalling how Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had used cartoons to communicate political messages.

Proposal for a Dedicated Cartoon Gallery

Beyond the political banter, Fadnavis announced that the state government would take the initiative to establish a dedicated gallery for Marathi cartoonists in Mumbai.

He said the proposed space would provide artists with an opportunity to display their work and receive wider recognition. He also indicated that he would seek the support of both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray for the initiative.

Fadnavis described political cartooning as an art form capable of communicating ideas as effectively as an editorial. He encouraged political figures to appreciate satire rather than react negatively to cartoons depicting them.

Uddhav also recalled an anecdote about former British leaders who reportedly treated cartoons of themselves with humour, illustrating the longstanding relationship between political satire and public life.

A Rare Cultural Meeting Amid Political Differences

The joint appearance attracted attention because of the political differences separating the three leaders. Their presence together, however, was centred on a cultural programme rather than a political negotiation.

The exchanges demonstrated how artistic and cultural events can create opportunities for public interaction across party lines. Although the gathering did not signal any formal political understanding, it offered a rare moment of humour among leaders who frequently criticise one another in Maharashtra's political arena.