**Devendra Fadnavis Invites Uddhav Thackeray to Join Ruling Side in Maharashtra Legislative Council**
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made headlines on Wednesday during a session of the Legislative Council with a lighthearted invitation to his predecessor, Uddhav Thackeray, to join the ruling party. This playful suggestion, made during the farewell ceremony for Ambadas Danve, the Leader of Opposition from Thackeray’s faction of the Shiv Sena, elicited laughter from the assembly but left Thackeray unresponsive.
While addressing the House, Fadnavis turned to Thackeray and remarked, “Look Uddhav-ji, there is no scope of (our) going there (in the opposition) till 2029. But if you want to come over here, then consider it; it depends on you.” Thackeray, present at the time, later responded to reporters, saying, “Let it go. Some things should be taken on a lighter note.”
Adding to the intrigue, a video emerged showing Fadnavis and Thackeray exchanging friendly greetings before the session, a rare moment between the two former allies who now find themselves on opposing sides of the political spectrum.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, recently secured a significant victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, solidifying Fadnavis’s position in the ruling coalition for the foreseeable future. As laughter erupted among NDA members following Fadnavis’s comment, he further noted, “Ambadas Danve may be anywhere (party or opposition) but his real thoughts are right wing.”
In summary, Fadnavis’s playful invitation to Thackeray highlights the ongoing dynamics within Maharashtra’s political landscape, showcasing both camaraderie and rivalry among leaders.
**FAQ**
**Q: What was the context of Fadnavis’s invitation to Thackeray?**
A: Fadnavis made a lighthearted invitation to Thackeray during a farewell ceremony for Ambadas Danve, suggesting he join the ruling side, which was met with laughter in the assembly.