India, July 24 -- Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday urged not to attach political motives to birthday greetings, including those extended by his political rivals.

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, Fadnavis said, "We may differ ideologically, but we are not enemies. It is inappropriate to read politics into greetings exchanged on personal or festive occasions. Doing so distorts the cultural values of the state."

His remarks came a day after the release of a coffee table book commemorating his birthday, which featured congratulatory messages from Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray.

"Some we...