'Cannot deny the pace of work of Fadnavis': Sharad Pawar hails Maharashtra CM on his 55th Birthday

Sharad Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar praised Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in a coffee table book released on his 55th birthday.

The book, titled Maharashtra Nayak, was conceptualised by senior BJP leader Girish Mahajan and includes a tribute article written by Pawar himself. In the piece, the veteran politician commends Fadnavis’s relentless energy, strong work ethic, and political journey.

“The speed at which Devendra works is remarkable… Watching his dedication and energy, I often wonder – how does he never get tired?” writes Pawar.

Pawar said that Fadnavis reminds him of his days when he was the CM of the state and said that his skills helped him to make a mark in Maharashtra politics when even he was not even in power.

"When I see Devendra Fadnavis, the way he works, I remember my days as CM of Maharashtra. On his birthday, I wish him that his zeal for work should grow every year. Usually they say an active person is slim and trim, but both of us are not but very much active. Jokes apart, the way he works, many a times I think that how does he not get tired? Though Devendra Fadnavis got his lessons of politics at home since childhood, the main challenge for him was to rise through the ranks after his father and mentor passed away when he was very young," Pawar wrote.

"That’s why, one must compliment him for his achievements and success. Devendra Fadnavis has a degree in law and is also a good communicator. His intelligence, patience and communication skills helped him to make a mark in Maharashtra politics when he was not even in power. The way he worked as a state BJP president further helped him to become the CM of Maharashtra. Both of us are from different streams but still relentlessly work for people; in such a scenario, one cannot deny the pace of work of Devendra Fadnavis," he added.

He further credited Fadnavis’s leadership as BJP’s state president as a key factor in his elevation to Chief Minister.

Birthday greetings also poured in from across the political spectrum, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended wishes, praising Fadnavis for his work towards Maharashtra’s progress and upliftment of the underprivileged.