Maharashtra Political Rivals Share Stage at Mumbai Book Launch
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray shared a stage at Dadar’s Savarkar Smarak on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during the launch of a book documenting a century of Marathi political cartoons. The joint appearance by the political rivals, which followed recent Legislative Council election results across five constituencies, immediately triggered widespread speculation across the state regarding shifting political alignments.
The event itself centered on the release of Maharashtrachya Hasyaresha,
a book edited by senior cartoonist Prashant Kulkarni and published by Granthali Publications, tracing the history of Marathi cartoon art from 1880 to the present day. Before entering the main auditorium, the three leaders engaged in a private discussion behind closed doors, a meeting that people close to the Chief Minister described as a courtesy over tea but which nevertheless fueled intense political curiosity.
Jokes, Cartoons, and Left-Right Positioning
The cultural gathering quickly took on political overtones as the leaders addressed the audience. Culture Minister Ashish Shelar praised Devendra Fadnavis for accepting Raj Thackeray’s invitation, remarking that leaders should set aside differences for art and culture. Raj Thackeray responded by saying he would gladly invite Fadnavis repeatedly, provided Shelar ensures Fadnavis remains in the Chief Minister’s chair until 2029, drawing laughter from the crowd.
When Fadnavis took the microphone, he delivered a series of sharp, humorous retorts. Observing that Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray had spoken from the left side of the dais, the Chief Minister chose the right side of the podium. When everyone is going towards the left, I am going towards the right,
Fadnavis quipped, a remark carrying a clear political undertone given the opposition alignment of the two Thackeray factions.
Fadnavis also addressed his historical relationship with Uddhav Thackeray. While noting that he previously answered calls from Uddhav whenever the Shiv Sena leader reached out prior to their 2019 fallout, Fadnavis remarked that no such call had been made since, adding I was waiting.
The two parties parted ways as archrivals following the 2019 assembly polls over the sharing of the chief minister’s post.
Proposing a Dedicated Cartoonists Gallery in Mumbai
Shifting from political banter to cultural policy, Fadnavis announced plans to establish a dedicated gallery for cartoonists in Mumbai, stating that he would actively seek the support and help of both Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray for the project. The Chief Minister emphasized that cartooning remains an extraordinary art form capable of conveying messages as effectively as formal editorials, praising Marathi cartoonists for documenting historical developments and providing a medium for public dissent.
In his closing remarks, Fadnavis suggested that everyone should stick to their core talents. Since Raj Thackeray is a gifted cartoonist and Uddhav Thackeray is a skilled photographer, Fadnavis joked that they should allow him to handle the political field in comfort.
Worth a look