Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today showered praise on Dilip Walse-Patil, NCP leader and former Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly, at a function here.
The function had been organised to mark Walse-Patil's 61st birthday.
Incidentally, this was the fourth time in as many months that BJP leaders have attended felicitations of leaders from the Sharad Pawar-led opposition party.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said a ruling party should never take the power for granted.
"Those who rule lose sometime, while those in opposition become rulers. This exchange goes on forever. Politics has to have difference of thoughts, but thoughtlessness in politics is the real danger," he said.
Praising Walse-Patil for standing by the NCP chief Sharad Pawar through thick and thin, Gadkari said in an era when changing political allegiance for the sake of power is the norm, leaders like Walse-Patil are "ultimate examples" (of loyalty to ideology and leader).
Gadkari also referred to political opponents frequently coming together at social functions in Maharashtra.
"When people from Uttar Pradesh or Bihar or other states see this, they find it strange. But Maharashtra politics is different. We may be political opponents, but we share each other's moments of happiness and sorrow," he said.
Fadnavis, in his speech, said a politician starts a new innings at the age of 61.
"Not only Walse-Patil is an experienced parliamentarian, but as the Speaker of the House he has always upheld democratic values," the chief minister said.
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