Fadnavis makes conciliatory gesture towards Sena

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray responds positively, says will stand shoulder to shoulder if there is need for support

In an apparent conciliatory gesture towards Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said "the tree of friendship planted today" will grow into a "big tree in the future", as the two leaders took part in a mega plantation drive here.

Thackeray replied, "Wherever there is a need for support, I shall stand shoulder to shoulder."

Amidst the recent bitter exchange of words between Sena and BJP, the duo exchanged repartee yesterday at Mahim Nature Park where they planted a sapling to mark the state government's ambitious drive to plant two crore saplings across the state to boost forest cover.

On the occasion, Fadnavis said that he has put soil and water to the tree planted by Thackeray and this will convey the "right message".

"The tree of friendship planted by us will grow into a big tree like the banyan tree," he said.

Thackeray pointed out the perils of global warming and said, "Some cities around the world will be submerged and that list will include Mumbai. I have not come here to play spoilsport. Wherever there is need for support I shall stand shoulder to shoulder. What begins well, ends well."

Fadnavis seconded Thackeray's concerns for environment and said, "We have been taking from nature but have never given anything back which is not proper."

"If we do not preserve anything for the future generation and do not give anything then nature will not give us anything in return," he added.