Times News Network
Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of Maharashtra for becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He emphasized that the state has greatly benefited from Modi's leadership.
Key Projects and Schemes Highlighted
From the Bali Raja scheme during the 2015 drought that facilitated the completion of 100 dams to expedited clearances for various infrastructure projects, Fadnavis asserted that no Prime Minister has been as sensitive as Modi. He credited Modi's support for numerous landmark projects, including the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai Metro Line 3, Metro networks in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu), the Mumbai coastal road, Samruddhi Mahamarg, the Pune-Mumbai Expressway missing link project, and the Vadhavan port.
Fadnavis noted that many of these projects had been pending for years but were either completed or accelerated with the Centre's backing. The Chief Minister was addressing the media in Delhi.
Comparison with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
When asked about comparisons with the first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Fadnavis stated that there was no question of comparison. He remarked that Modi's tenure is a matter of record.
Loan Waiver Scheme Details
Responding to queries about the loan waiver scheme not benefiting all farmers, Fadnavis clarified that 56 lakh farmers will benefit from the scheme. “All farmers whose debt is within Rs 2 lakh will benefit,” he said. However, he warned that if some were to repeatedly take advantage of the scheme, the banking system would collapse. “There were waivers in 2017, 2020, and 2026. Therefore, some criteria have been put in place to determine who qualifies and who does not. The numbers are not large, and 99.9% will fulfill the requirements,” he explained.
Fadnavis added that once the code of conduct for the MLC elections, in force till June 18, ends, the government will make public the finer details of the scheme and ensure the waiver is effectively implemented from June 20.
Fertilizer Availability
On the issue of fertilizer availability, Fadnavis acknowledged a global crisis but assured that fertilizers are being provided after putting in place certain parameters and conditions to prevent hoarding. Farmers are being supplied fertilizers according to their requirements. “There is enough stock of mixed fertilizers, but if farmers ask for a specific fertilizer, there may be some shortage,” he said.
Defense of Minister Girish Mahajan
Fadnavis defended state minister Girish Mahajan amid a controversy over his “Operation Blue Star was a black day” remark, stating that his comment should be seen in its entirety in the context of the “Congress-led” 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He noted that Mahajan had already clarified the matter and had visited Punjab after receiving an invitation during the nationwide observance of the 300th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
About the Author
Clara Lewis
Clara Lewis is a Senior Editor (Government & Policy). She enjoys meeting people, reading, and travel, and keeps her eye on the changing face of the city and its rapidly evolving demographic profile.
